What exactly is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is actually an acronym for botulinum toxin type A, which is a neurotoxin produced by clostridium botulinum bacteria. As administered by a skilled plastic surgeon like board-certified South Carolina plastic surgeon Dr. Ted Vaughn, BOTOX® Cosmetic can reduce the appearance of some forms of facial wrinkles.
What can BOTOX® Cosmetic treat?
BOTOX® Cosmetic may be used to effectively treat:
- “Bunny lines” on the sides of the nose
- “Crow’s feet” at the corners of the eyes
- Forehead lines
- Downturned corners of the mouth
- Prominent banding of the neck
- Glabellar lines, or lines between the eyebrows
How is BOTOX® Cosmetic administered?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the muscle below the wrinkle using a tiny needle. No anesthesia is typically necessary, and the discomfort is minimal and temporary.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic temporarily paralyzes the nerve fibers that generate the muscle activity that leads to wrinkles and lines. By inhibiting muscle contraction, BOTOX® Cosmetic allows your features to smooth out, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
How long will the results of BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment typically lasts about three to six months before your muscles regain action. Repeat treatments will help you maintain your results; without follow-up BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, your lines will gradually return.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic safe?
BOTOX® was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002, and while complications are rare, some patients have reported side-effects including:
- Droopy eyelids
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Vision problems
Dr. Vaughn or a nurse will discuss the possible risks with you in detail prior to any BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment painful?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected through a small needle that many patients do not even feel. Some patients may experience minor, temporary discomfort at the injection site.
Can both men and women undergo BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Yes. Both men and women have achieved results with BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Will BOTOX® Cosmetic affect my facial expressions?
You will see the results of diminished lines, but BOTOX® Cosmetic will not dramatically alter the appearance of your face or your ability to make facial expressions.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic and whether this injectable is right for you, please contact Piedmont Plastic Surgery online or by phone at 864-223-0505 to schedule your consultation with board-certified South Carolina plastic surgeon Dr. Ted Vaughn. We proudly serve patients in Greenwood, Greenville, Anderson, Columbia, and Laurens, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia.
