How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is, perhaps, best known as injections synthesized from various forms of the botulinum toxin, which acts by temporarily paralyzing muscle activity. In Newport Beach & Orange County, Dr. Ip offers BOTOX® Cosmetic to patients to take years off of their faces by alleviating fine lines and deeper creases on the trouble areas. A BOTOX® Cosmetic injection is able to block certain chemical signals that cause the muscles to contract. This action is used to temporarily relax the facial muscles that are directly under the wrinkles to be able to eliminate lines between the eyebrows, crows feet from the corners of the eyes, and forehead furrows. Aside from this popular use of BOTOX® Cosmetic, BOTOX® has also been put to good use in other procedures to treat other conditions that affect bodily functions such as cervical dystonia, lazy eye, muscle contractures, chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and bladder dysfunction.
What should I expect from BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Prior to the procedure, a consultation will take place between the doctor and the patient to establish expectations to discuss the patient’s needs in detail. Depending on the patient’s preference, the area to be treated may be numbed before the injections to minimize discomfort. After this, the doctor will then proceed to inject tiny amounts of the botulinum toxin into the patient’s skin or muscles. The number of injections will depend on the span of the area and the intensity of the lines being treated. Patients can resume normal activities right after the procedure, but they must refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated area to prevent the toxin from migrating to adjacent tissues.
Are there possible risks with BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Although BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are generally safe, there are common side effects that may arise when the procedure is not done properly. If, for example, the medication spreads to adjacent tissues, it may cause cockeyed eyebrows, a crooked smile, drooping eyelids, or excessive tearing of the eyes. This is the reason why it is so important to choose a practice and experienced doctor who is legally certified to perform such procedures. Other side effects may include dry mouth, headaches, neck pain, eye problems, and dry eyes. Also, as a rule, doctors do not recommend BOTOX® Cosmetic for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers.
What are the results of BOTOX® Cosmetic?
A few days after treatment, the BOTOX® Cosmetic injections will begin to show the effects and the patient’s fine lines and wrinkles will gradually begin to disappear. The effects produced by BOTOX® Cosmetic may last from 3 to 12 months and will need regular follow-up injections to maintain the patient’s new youthful look.
If you have any questions, or if you want to learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic, please call Dr. Ip at (949) 548-0300., or fill out our online consultation form to schedule an appointment. Proudly serving Newport Beach & Orange County.
