Botox® injections are a treatment for wrinkles, frown lines, crow's feet, and lines on the forehead and between the eyes. These wrinkles are caused by contractions of the underlying facial muscles. Every time the muscle is used to smile, laugh, squint, or frown, the muscle contracts and pulls the overlying skin with it. Over time, the skin shows these wrinkles even when the muscle is relaxed.
Botox® blocks impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles that are related to expression lines. It relaxes the muscles so they don't hyper-contract. After treatment, the skin smoothes out and becomes less wrinkled, all the while allowing normal facial expression. The treatment involves injecting a tiny amount of liquid, using a tiny needle, into the affected area. Results are evident in a few days; wrinkles will smooth out and your face will have a more relaxed and youthful appearance.
In addition to its cosmetic uses, Botox® injections have been used safely and effectively for over ten years to treat many ophthalmologic and neurologic disorders.
Side effects and complications have been minimal. These include, rarely, slight swelling, and/or bruising which may last for several days after the injections. Also, an adjacent muscle may be weakened for several weeks after the injections. This may lead to a slight eyelid droop. Any and all side effects are temporary. Botox® is used mainly on the upper part of the face; the lines on the forehead, between the eyes, and around the eyes. It is not considered effective around the mouth. Botox can also be used on the neck.
The injections take effect within 2-7 and last between four to six months. Many patients choose to have treatments done two or three times per year. Over time, some patients find that they need treatments less often because there can be a cumulative effect.
Patient Instructions - Before Botox® Treatment
- Discontinue aspirin and Ibuprofen products (Advil, Motrin, Aleve) for ten (10) days prior to treatment. Tylenol is permitted.
- Avoid Vitamin E supplements for two (2) days prior to treatment. Regular multivitamins are permitted.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to treatment.
Restrictions After Botox® Injections
- Your head must remain upright for at least six hours after theinjection.
- No lying down or leaning forward.
- No exercise
- No long walks
- No hair washing
- No hair blowing
- No hair color
- No hats
- No makeup
- No touching the area
- No clothing changes
- No shoe shopping, etc.
- No showers
- No cooking over a hot stove
If your head changes position, the chance of an eyelid droop increases!
Informed Consent
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