Botox® Injections
The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a 
popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Studies have also suggested that Botox® is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.
Newport Beach BOTOX® Cosmetic
When you smile, laugh, frown, or look puzzled, you contract the muscles of your face. Over time, these contractions produce permanent creases and deep wrinkle in the skin. These creases may be between your eyebrows, around the eyes (crow’s feet), across the forehead, and around the mouth. These lines may cause you to look old, tired, or angry. Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic acts to prevent the muscles that create these furrows from moving, which creates a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
How can BOTOX® Cosmetic help me?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most common minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure performed in the United States and one of the most common procedures performed in our office. The procedure is very safe, effective, and is rapidly performed. There is essentially no downtime from the procedure and the results generally last from four to six months with minimal discomfort. With a series of small injections into the forehead, the area above and between the eyebrows, the area of the crow’s feet, and lines in the neck the lines are softened. Deep depressions may also require the addition of dermal fillers.
BOTOX® Cosmetic has also been used for the treatment of essential blepharospasm, migraine headaches, torticollis, hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating), and back and jaw pain. Recently BOTOX® cosmetic has been used to decrease the size of enlarged chewing muscles.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the trade name for onabotulinumtoxin A and millions of people have been treated worldwide with the medication. BOTOX® works by blocking the nerve impulses that causes muscle contraction and glandular secretion. BOTOX® was initially approved by the FDA for the treatment of blepharospasm, which is a condition that causes excessive blinking of the eyelid. The value of BOTOX® was quickly realized for its value in facial rejuvenation. Preventing contraction of the muscles between the eyebrows smoothes the deep furrows and also results in a lifting of the central portion of the eyebrow. Injections into the crow’s feet areas will soften the wrinkles in this area and also result in a lifting of the outer portion of the brow. The injections into the forehead will soften the deep wrinkles running side-to-side across the forehead. Injections may also be used around the mouth and into the muscular bands in the neck. The overall effect is to soften the wrinkles and furrows and produce a rejuvenated appearance.
Are you a Candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic are patients who are generally in good health and are interested in improving their appearance by removing unwanted lines and wrinkles. Patients who are not candidates for BOTOX® treatment include women who are pregnant or nursing and patients with neuromuscular diseases (ALS, Lambert-Eaton syndrome). It is important to inform Dr. Sundine regarding all prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal medications that you may be taking to make sure that there are not any potential drug interactions.
It is very important that patients discuss their expectations of the procedure with Dr. Sundine so that their goals can be realized. Although BOTOX® injections are not a surgical procedure it is nonetheless important to chose an experienced physician such as Dr. Sundine with a keen knowledge of facial anatomy and an artistic sensibility to ensure optimal results.
Newport Beach BOTOX® Procedures
The most important aspect of BOTOX® injections is a careful analysis of each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic concerns. Dr. Sundine is extremely experienced with the use of BOTOX® and he personally performs all of the procedures. Following this analysis a very fine needle is then used to inject the BOTOX® solution into the facial muscles that are responsible for causing the lines and wrinkles. There is minimal discomfort associated with the injections. The procedure is performed very rapidly and does not require any anesthesia. You may return to work following the procedure. You can resume most normal activities following the procedure but you should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours following the procedure.
Results following BOTOX® Cosmetic
Initially following the injection of BOTOX® cosmetic you may notice some very mild swelling. This fluid is very rapidly absorbed. The effect of BOTOX® generally begins 3-4 days following the injection and may take 10-14 days to take full effect. The effects will typically start to wear off slowly after 3-4 months. Rarely after BOTOX® injections you may experience some mild bruising.
Use of BOTOX® Cosmetic causes the muscles of the face to relax and soften the wrinkes and give a more youthful and softened appearance. In order for patients to achieve optimal results for their rejuvenation they may require the addition of adjunctive procedures such as soft tissue fillers, laser resurfacing, or even surgical procedures.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic
The side effects of BOTOX® are rare and mild. The most common side effects are bruising following injection of the solution and headaches. Even more rarely there may be a mild drooping of the eyelids as a result of the injections. The risk of these complications are minimized by choosing a physician with experience in using BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Schedule your BOTOX® Cosmetic procedure with Dr. Sundine today by calling 949-706-3100.
