FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: This information is intended to supplement, not replace, consultation with your physician regarding BOTOX Cosmetic. Please consult with Dr. Gold if you have additional questions or if you have questions that may not be covered in this section. 

What Exactly is BOTOX Cosmetic?  BOTOX Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Very low doses of BOTOX Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the overactive muscles that cause lines to form. BOTOX Cosmetic works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles. The effects of BOTOX^® Cosmetic are usually confined to the injected region; it does not travel throughout the body.

                                                               

How does BOTOX Cosmetic Work?  At a normal neuro-muscular junction, a nerve impulse triggers the release of acetylcholine, which causes the muscle to contract. Excessive release of acetylcholine causes overactive contraction of the corrugator and procerus muscles, which over time can cause wrinkles to form above the nose and between the eyebrows – “frown lines”. BOTOX Cosmetic relaxes the overactive muscles whose repeated contractions cause the lines between your brows to form. It is effective in reducing this excessive activity. As it enters the nerve ending, BOTOX Cosmetic blocks the release of acetylcholine, relaxing overactive corrugator and procerus muscles. The result is that you frown, smile, or look surprised – without the furrows, creases, and wrinkles.

                                          

How is BOTOX Cosmetic Administered?  A few tiny BOTOX Cosmetic injections are made in the corrugator and procerus muscles (the muscles of frowning). No anesthesia is required, but Dr. Gold feels that for your comfort a topical cream anesthetic will help minimize or eliminate any discomfort from the injections. He always uses it, unless you are allergic to any of the anesthetic ingredients. The procedure takes about 10 minutes.

Is the Treatment Painful?  The first two people Dr. Gold treated with Botox were himself and his wife.  He certainly had not interest in inflicting pain on either of them!  He always uses a numbing cream applied to the area to be injected.  Discomfort related to the injection is minimal, brief and can be limited with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. Once the injections are complete, there is usually no discomfort. Most people return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX Cosmetic treatment. Less frequently occurring (< 3%) adverse reactions include pain in the face, redness at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occur within the first week.

What Can Patients Expect from a BOTOX Cosmetic Treatment?  Dr. Gold will determine exactly where to administer several tiny injections to achieve the best results. No anesthesia is required, although he may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. The entire procedure takes approximately ten minutes. Discomfort is minimal and brief – most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. It is unlikely you will develop significant side effects, although some people develop slight temporary bruising at the injection site, which can easily be covered by makeup. You may resume normal activity immediately.

Within days, patients see a marked relaxation of glabellar (frown) lines. Clinical studies have shown that patients begin to see results within a week and improvements last for up to four months. In clinical trials, 89% of patients rated improvement in frown lines as moderate or better. Individual results may vary.

Who is a Good Candidate for BOTOX Cosmetic? How Can I Know if BOTOX Cosmetic is Right for Me?  Any image-conscience woman or man between 18 and 65 years of age who is concerned about the appearance of frown lines may be a candidate for BOTOX^® Cosmetic treatment. BOTOX Cosmetic should not be used if there is an infection at the injection site. A physician must determine if BOTOX Cosmetic is the right treatment for the individual patient.

Who Should Administer a BOTOX Cosmetic Treatment? BOTOX Cosmetic should be administered by a physician. While any authorized health care professional can administer BOTOX Cosmetic, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, or other cosmetic physicians are generally the most experienced. One of these physicians can help you decide if BOTOX Cosmetic is right for you.

Is BOTOX Cosmetic Expensive?  When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX Cosmetic is quite affordable. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s 2000 survey, BOTOX Cosmetic is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures, ranking seventh of the nine most widely used procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectation. Speak with any staff member for more information on our fees. Call Laser Body Solutions at (203) 281-LSER (5737).

How Long Does BOTOX Cosmetic Last?  BOTOX Cosmetic can last up to four months. To get a more prolonged effect, the following protocol is recommended: every 3 months the first year, every four months the second year, and then every 6 to 8 months thereafter.

Are There Side Effects?  Side effects most often reported during clinical trials of BOTOX Cosmetic included headache (13.3%), respiratory infection (3.5%), temporary eyelid droop (blepharoptosis, 3.2%), nausea (3.0%), and flu syndrome (2.0%).

Will My Lines Look Worse if I Choose Not to Continue Treatments?  No. Your lines gradually revert to their pre-treatment appearance.

BOTOX^® and BOTOX^® Cosmetic are trademarks owned by Allergan, Inc.