BOTOX injection (botulinum toxin) is the best known and most popular non-surgical treatment for treating lines and wrinkles caused by aging, smiling, laughing and frowning. BOTOX® is most helpful for the dynamic or kinetic wrinkles, also known as “wrinkles in motion.”
It is not as effective for “wrinkles at rest,” but prolonged use of BOTOX® may help prevent kinetic wrinkles from becoming wrinkles at rest. One 10 minute treatment, a few very tiny needle injections, and within 10 days there is a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles which can last between three and seven months, and in some cases even longer.
Using BOTOX® fresh and not storing bottles sin the refrigerator keeps patients happy for one to two months longer. The immense popularity of wrinkle relaxing injections with BOTOX® is primarily because of its safety and no downtime.
BOTOX® safety and downtime
Although it seems that Botox is a relatively new cosmetic procedure, it was first approved by the American FDA in 1989 to treat blepharospasm, strabismus and cervical dystonia. BOTOX® is widely used in children for treatment of Cerebral Palsy and is among the most researched and studied Drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.
BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A) is approved for treatment of conditions such as blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids), cervical dystonia (severe neck muscle spasms), and severe primary axillary hyperhydrosis (excess sweating). BOTOX® Cosmetic®, which is also botulinum toxin Type A, is approved for temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe facial frown lines.
BOTOX injection for facial wrinkles is one of the most effective treatments in the field of aesthetic and cosmetic medicine. Very few aesthetic medicine treatments produce extremely impressive results with no healing time required.
Occassionally small bruises are seen after the procedure, especially in the areas of very thin and soft skin. These can be easily covered by makeup until they fade away, usually in about 10 to 14 days. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a muscle weakener that is derived from bacteria specially purified for use in humans.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is used to treat “frown lines” which are sometimes called “scowl lines” or “worry lines”. These are the lines seen between the eyes and on the bridge of the nose. In addition, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are used for “crow’s feet” wrinkles, lip corner lift and forehead wrinkles.
BOTOX® Cosmetic also can be used for the bands that develop underneath the chin and extend to the neck. Botox Cosmetic is also used by physicians to treat migraine headaches, bruxism (tooth grinding), excessive sweating and some facial pain syndromes.
BOTOX injection are performed in the office by the physician with an ultra fine needle, and the number of injections varies with the degree of wrinkling.
Many patients receive BOTOX® Cosmetic injections on their lunch hour and go back to work. Botox has truly become a lunchtime procedure.
The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic begin between 24 and 72 hours after treatment, is clearly visible in 10 to 14 days and the effect lasts on average three to six months. There is some evidence that after several repeated injections the effects last longer.
It is recommended not to use eyes or massage for injection sites, and definitely never lie down for two hour after the treatment!
Will Insurance Cover BOTOX® Treatment?
Some medically related BOTOX® treatments are usually covered by insurance, including treatment for blepharospasm (uncontrollable eye twitching), excessive sweating, constant pain and others.
Insurance coverage for BOTOX injection is much less common, but you should consult your insurance provider to find out if you have coverage for BOTOX® treatment.