Beverly Hills Aesthetics

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What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the trademark of Botulinum Toxin Type A, a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, this toxin blocks the nerve impulses to muscles, causing a form of paralysis called Botulism. By using extremely small doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic, injected directly into a specific muscle, only the action of that muscle will be paralyzed. Therefore, the problems that muscle causes, like a twitch spasm or frown line, will be stopped.

Where is the BOTOX® Cosmetic injected?

The frown line between the eyebrows is caused by the action of a muscle called the corrugator. You can feel this as a thickening just below the inside of your eyebrows, when you purposefully make yourself frown. We inject BOTOX® Cosmetic directly into this corrugator muscle and this stops your ability to draw eyebrows together when you frown. Once the muscle is paralyzed, it cannot contract, and the frown lines gradually fade away. BOTOX® Cosmetic is also effective in the treatment of crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and neck folds.

How long does it last?

The actual treatment only takes a few minutes and the BOTOX® Cosmetic takes effect in three to ten days. Gradually, over five to eight months the BOTOX® Cosmetic effect will fade, and the muscle action will return. When the frown lines reappear, a simple repeat treatment is all that is necessary to maintain the desired result.

Who can perform BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments?

Only licensed physicians or registered nurses specially trained in BOTOX® Cosmetic should administer the injections. Our staff has extensive training and has treated hundreds of patients.

Any side effects?

The side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are related to the local injection of the solution. There will be slight discomfort from the needle entering the skin, and a small chance of a bruise forming at the site of the injection. There are no reports of damage to the eye from injections near the eye. There have been no permanent side effects from the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Approximately 1% of patients will develop a slight lowering or ptosis of one eyelid. This is temporary and may not even be noticed by the patient.

Is BOTOX® Cosmetic FDA approved?

Yes, it has been tested and approved by the FDA.