Questions:
What is cosmetic denervation?
Is BOTOX safe?
Is BOTOX for me?
What is cosmetic denervation?
Cosmetic denervation is a procedure used to improve the appearance of "worry lines", "frown lines", "crow's feet", "laugh lines", and other so-called dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are the result of muscle activity which highlights the valley (wrinkle) between the contracted muscles. When the muscle is relaxed, the "wrinkle" disappears. The most common dynamic wrinkles are seen at the outside corner of the eyes, on the forehead between the eyebrows and across the mid and upper forehead. These dynamic wrinkles can now be treated with the injection of BOTOX (botulinum toxin). BOTOX temporarily paralyzes the muscle so that it is "relaxed" and the wrinkle disappears. The BOTOX effect lasts for an average of 4-6 months, making it an extremely safe and very effective procedure for the treatment of these unwanted wrinkles. BOTOX has been used for more than a decade in children and adults for the treatment of certain medical conditions requiring temporary paralysis of muscles. For instance, BOTOX has been used successfully for years in the treatment of double vision due to imbalanced eye muscles.
Is BOTOX safe?
As noted above, BOTOX has been safely used for over a decade. Side effects from treatment are rare. The most common side effect is swelling or bruising at the injection site. This may last for a few days after treatment. A rare side effect is weakness of a muscle group adjacent to the injection site. This may last a few weeks. Since BOTOX is metabolized by the body, any side effects which occur are only temporary. While the temporary nature of BOTOX means that areas may need to be re-injected two to three times a year to maintain results, this also insures the safety of the treatment.
Is BOTOX for me?
After years of safe and effective use in the treatment of medical conditions, BOTOX is now available for the treatment of wrinkles. BOTOX can be used in any age group for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. So, if you have "frown lines", "crow's feet", or "laugh lines", BOTOX may be for you. Clearly, BOTOX is a valuable adjunct in the rejuvenation of the aging or wrinkled face. Ask our dermatologists if you may be a candidate for BOTOX.
