What is Botox® Cosmetic and how does it work?
Botox® Cosmetic is a safe, non-surgical and effective treatment that is directed at the facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. It targets wrinkles that are caused by habitual muscle contractions such as frowning or squinting. It is derived from purified proteins and relaxes the muscles that cause facial wrinkles- giving your face a more refreshed appearance. The best part about Botox® Cosmetic is that it will soften your expression lines and help “stop the clock” by preventing further deepening of existing wrinkles and lines.
Where can Botox® Cosmetic be used?
The most common areas for treatment are frown lines, horizontal lines that run across your forehead, and crow’s feet around the outer eye. However, you are encouraged to discuss with Dr Lam regarding what treatment is most suitable for you and your face.
Botox® Cosmetic is intended to enhance your appearance, not change it. When administered properly, you will still be able to smile, frown, and express as you do currently. The treatment merely relaxes the muscle at the points of injection, so the other elements of your facial expression remain active. It also has no effect on the sensory nerves, so you will have normal feeling in the treated areas.
Is Botox® Cosmetic treatment safe?
Yes. Botox® has been licensed in Canada since 1990 and is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. It was approved in 2001 by Health Canada for wrinkle therapy and extensive research and testing have proven Botox® Cosmetic to be safe.
Is Botox Cosmetic treatment painful?
A very small amount of Botox® Cosmetic is injected into the muscle being treated. The injection is done precisely by a very fine needle. Thus, you will experience minimal pain. Some people compare the injection to the feeling of a bug bite. The procedure is quick (i.e., 10 to 15 minutes) and simple. No sedation or local anaesthetic is needed and you can resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
How soon after treatment will I see results?
You can expect to see results within a few days after your treatment. The appearance of lines and wrinkles can continue to minimize for up to a week. The results usually last up to four months and after a number of repeated treatments, the effects may begin to last longer.
Are there any side effects?
A possible side effect of Botox® Cosmetic is bruising, which is temporary and only occurs in the area of injection and can easily be covered with makeup.
Is there anyone who should not use this treatment?
Although nearly anyone can use Botox® Cosmetic, those who are pregnant, nursing, or have a neurolological disease should avoid having treatment.
