BOTOX Cosmetic by Allergan is a popular non-surgical treatment option for wrinkles. Our experienced dermatologists in Houston offer BOTOX injections to reduce signs of aging and revitalize your appearance. BOTOX is often considered a “lunchtime” treatment since it typically takes no more than 15 minutes and most patients require no downtime. Members of our dermatology team are extensively trained and experienced with this procedure. Our customized BOTOX treatment plans are designed to help you achieve your goals with results that look both beautiful and natural.
What is BOTOX®
BOTOX is an FDA-approved injectable neurotoxin that can temporarily diminish signs of facial aging. Common concerns that can be addressed with a BOTOX cosmetic procedure include:
- Forehead lines
- Creases between the eyes
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines
- Neck laxity
- Other wrinkles and creases caused by habitual muscle contraction
The BOTOX solution is derived from botulinum toxin type A, an ingredient that can temporarily prevent muscles from contracting. BOTOX treats dynamic wrinkles.
BOTOX injections have been used by physicians since the 1980s for the treatment of patients with eye spasms, central nervous disorders, and some forms of excessive muscle contractions. In treating eye spasms, doctors noticed that BOTOX also reduced wrinkles in the treated area, which led to the development and approval of BOTOX. In 2002, the U.S Food and Drug Administration approved BOTOX for use in the temporary reduction of facial wrinkles. Since that time, millions of BOTOX injections have been performed. It has been shown to be effective at reducing fine lines on the forehead, around the eyes, and around the mouth. The full effect is typically seen one to two weeks after treatment, and the result typically lasts four to six months.*
How Does BOTOX Work?
BOTOX works by addressing the root causes of wrinkles and creases in a variety of facial areas. The many expressions we make over time – such as frowning, squinting, and smiling – eventually cause wrinkles to appear. The BOTOX solution essentially relaxes these muscles and stops them from contracting (temporarily), which diminishes the appearance of the wrinkles and gives the skin a smoother look.
BOTOX vs.Dysport®
Dysport is another cosmetic injectable treatment that is derived from a diluted form of botulinum toxin, and is very similar to BOTOX. Our experienced dermatologists can recommend which product (BOTOX or Dysport) would work best for you based on your skin characteristics and goals. Both injectables serve the same aesthetic purposes and offer similar results for most patients.
What is the BOTOX Treatment Like?
A member of our dermatology team will talk with you about your goals during the initial consultation and determine whether BOTOX is the best option for you. If so, we will create a customized treatment plan designed to provide wrinkle reduction with natural-looking results.
The BOTOX procedure involves the careful, delicate injection of the solution into the areas targeted for treatment. Before the injections, a topical anesthetic may be applied in order to minimize discomfort. Depending on the extent of treatment and the number of injection sites, most BOTOX procedures take about 15 minutes or less to complete. Most individuals are able to undergo the treatment and get back to their normal daily routines immediately. The results of BOTOX typically become most apparent a few days to weeks following the treatment.
What Are the Most Common BOTOX Side Effects?
While most patients require no recovery time following the procedure, there are some common side effects of BOTOX. Common side effects include temporary pain, swelling, bruising and redness in the treatment areas. Additionally, patients are advised to seek care from a healthcare provider immediately if they experience more serious side effects such as an allergic reaction, facial muscle weakness, double vision, dry eye, trouble swallowing or neck pain following BOTOX injections.
How Long Does BOTOX Last?
The results of BOTOX cosmetic treatments typically last an average of about three to six months.* Some individuals may even experience the effects for longer periods. Once the results of BOTOX injections begin to fade, follow-up treatments can help to maintain results.
What Other Medical Conditions Can BOTOX Treat?
Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Axillary hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating in the underarms. Severe cases of axillary hyperhidrosis typically do not respond to deodorants, and often result in the inability to wear certain kinds of clothing because of staining. After your initial consultation, our team members can recommend a treatment plan that is best for you. BOTOX can temporarily reduce sweating. Injections are typically performed every three to four months in order to maintain results.
Blepharospasm / Strabismus
BOTOX has been FDA-approved to treat blepharospasm also referred to as eyelid spasms, strabismus or facial muscle spasms, and muscle spasms resulting from cervical dystonia in patients over 12 years of age.
Chronic Migraine
BOTOX is FDA-approved to treat chronic migraines, or headaches that occur on 15 days or more per month.1
Overactive Bladder
BOTOX injections can be indicated to treat bladder issues such as stress urinary incontinence or overactive bladder.2
Who Should Not Receive BOTOX Treatment?
Botox injections should not be administered to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as individuals who are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX Cosmetic.
*Individual Results May Vary
American Migraine Foundation. Botox For Migraine. Available: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/botox-for-migraine/. Accessed October 27, 2021.
Mayo Clinic. How do bladder Botox injections work? Available: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/how-do-bladder-botox-injections-work. Accessed October 27, 2021.