Wrinkles :: BOTOX® :: FAQs
What is BOTOX? BOTOX was the first available form of botulinum toxin therapy that could safely, simply, and effectively improve frown lines, forehead creases and "crow's feet." BOTOX has shown remarkable improvements for wrinkles resulting from repeated use of facial muscles. Wrinkles are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time you make facial expressions.		How it Works Benefits FAQs Before & After Fact Sheet (DOC)

The more emotion you show over time, the deeper these wrinkles and lines are likely to be. These lines caused by facial muscles can give a person an angry, tired or sad appearance - even when they are not experiencing that emotion. By relaxing these underlying muscles, BOTOX reduces the wrinkles.

How are BOTOX treatments performed?
BOTOX is injected in extremely small amounts in the affected muscle(s) by using a very tiny, disposable needle. (The needle is the size of an acupuncture needle) The entire treatment takes about 10 minutes. Since no sedation is necessary, patients can resume normal activities immediately.

How long does BOTOX last?
BOTOX generally lasts 3-4 months, sometimes longer. However, after receiving injections over time, there appears to be a longer lasting effect. This could be due to relaxing of the muscles in the injected area and breaking the habit of certain facial expressions.

Do BOTOX injections hurt?
Because the needle is so tiny and such a small amount of solution is used, any pain experienced is usually described by patients as minimal and very short-lived.

What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to talk to your physician about the changes that you'd like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and the risks and limitations involved.

It is important that you explain the results that you would like. Bring photos to show your doctor what you like and what you don't like. He/she will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

How does BOTOX reduce wrinkles?
When BOTOX is injected into a muscle it causes temporary weakness of that muscle. BOTOX blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. BOTOX relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled, while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, so that normal facial expressions are unaffected.

Does BOTOX interact with other drugs?
It is always important to let your doctor know what drugs you are taking as some drugs interfere with nerve impulses to muscles causing an increase in the effect of BOTOX. However, patients can usually be treated with BOTOX regardless of other drugs used.

Do botulinum toxin injections cause botulism?
Though the words "botulinum toxin" often conjure up negative images such as botulism and food poisoning, botulinum toxin injections are safe and widely used all over the world for therapeutic and aesthetic benefits. In fact, BOTOX has been used for the treatment of facial wrinkles for over 20 years! The FDA has approved botulinum toxin for use in neurological disorders, supporting its safety and efficacy. BOTOX has been approved in Canada for the treatment of facial wrinkles. It is expected to receive approval in the US in early 2002. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health recognized the clinical benefits of botulinum toxin and issued a consensus statement over a decade ago about the use of botulinum toxin therapy in the treatment of numerous disorders. In these therapeutic applications, minute, highly purified quantities of botulinum toxin are used, making it safe to be injected.

Does BOTOX have any side effects?
Though side effects resulting from BOTOX are rare, some patients have experienced local discomfort, or headache following injection. However, symptoms are of generally mild and of short duration. Uncommonly, ptosis (Or drooping of the eyelid) can result. This effect is temporary and lasts approximately 2 weeks to 16 weeks. The incidence of ptosis seems to be directly related to the experience of the treating physician. (In other words- you should make sure you are treated by an experienced physician).

How much does a BOTOX treatment cost?
The cost can vary depending on the number of sites injected and the amount of toxin used. Treatments will cost between $150 and $850. Your physician can let you know the cost once these factors have been determined. And remember, the effects of BOTOX treatment generally last 3-4 months.