Botox (Botulinum toxin Type A) is a purified substance that temporarily weakens facial muscles and diminishes unwanted lines and wrinkles.
Botox has been in use since 1980 to treat many muscle disorders such as lazy eye and uncontrolled blinking.
Botox diminishes facial wrinkles and lines that create an angry or sad look and detract from a pleasant facial appearance. Once the muscle is weakened and relaxed, it cannot contract. Since there is no way to make the undesirable facial expression, the lines gradually smooth out from disuse, and new creases are prevented from forming. Other muscles responsible for facial expressions are not affected, so a natural expression is maintained.
Treatment involves injecting very small amounts of Botox directly in the underlying facial muscles to relax them. The procedure is well tolerated and takes just a few minutes with no "down time" or prolonged recovery period.
Botox takes effect about 3 to 7 days after treatment and requires 2 weeks for full effect.
The improvement generally lasts about 3 to 6 months. Patients require re-injection at various intervals. Repeated treatment usually produces longer-lasting results, so better check with Dr Zayour on average 5 months after your treatment to see if you need re-injection.
- Vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose
- Squint lines (crow's feet) at the corners of the eyes
- Horizontal lines on the forehead
- Lines around the mouth
- Cobblestoning of the chin
- Muscle bands visible on the neck, commonly known as "Turkey neck"
Side effects are generally minimal, temporary, and typically relate to the local injection. Makeup may be applied after treatment. A temporary headache may occur after injections in the forehead area, especially after the first treatment.
For optimal results, Dr Zayour may use Botox therapy in combination with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermal fillers. She will study your face and tell you what you need to get rid of unwanted lines and wrinkles and help prevent the formation of new ones.
Botox can make a great difference in a person's life. Its uses in combination with other modalities achieve wonderful results.
