What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin injections, often referred to by the names Botox, Botox Cosmetic®, is a purified protein derived from Botulinum that is transformed into a therapeutic agent. Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure with millions of patients being treated safely each year throughout the United States. Botox was originally used decades ago for the treatment of neurological muscle disorders. Cosmetically, Botox is most commonly used for the temporary treatment of frown lines (glabella furrows), forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet. In addition Botox can be used for eyebrow shaping – elevation as well as elevation of the corners of the mouth.

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Who is a candidate?

Botox should not be used for patients who have a neuromuscular disease, during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

How is the procedure done?

Dr. Mezrow will evaluate you having you relax particular muscles as well as having you contract particular muscles in the area being treated. After applying anesthetic “numbing cream”’, Botox is injected with a tiny needle directly into the muscle. It takes a few days for Botox to take effect and the results last from 3-4 months. An extremely small percentage of patients may have no effect from Botox likely because of an individual immunologic response.

What are the potential complications?

Rare side effects include bruising, local numbness, swelling or a burning sensation during injection. Some patients have a temporary headache and nausea. Most complications are of short duration. Other complications include temporary eyebrow and or eyelid asymmetries and or descent.