Frown lines, laugh lines, forehead wrinkles – these can all be treated with Botox®.

Botox is an excellent non-surgical cosmetic treatment that can provide very satisfying results, however it is safest and most effective when applied by a trained physician.

How does Botox work?

Botox (Botulinum type A) is a prescription medication that blocks messages between muscles and the nerves that control them. The solution is injected with a small needle into the muscles. As the muscles relax, the wrinkles caused by the muscles during facial expression will diminish. 

Repetitive movements of the facial muscles used in frowning, raising eyebrows, pursing lips, smiling, or squinting creates expression lines on the face. Over time, this can result in unattractive furrows, creases, and wrinkles. Diminishing the actions of these muscles with Botox can reduce or eliminate these unwanted surface effects and restore a more attractive, happier, and rejuvenated appearance.

Is Botox safe?

Botox has been used medically for more than 30 years. In fact, ophthalmologists were the first to use Botox medically in children with eye muscle problems (strabismus). Botox is also used for the treatment of muscle spasms of the eyelids and face, upper limb spasticity, the abnormal head position and neck pain that occurs in cervical dystonia, severe underarm sweating, and the prevention of headaches in adults with chronic migraines, using much higher doses than those used for cosmetic purposes.

Some side effects have been noted such as slight swelling and/or bruising at the injection site.  Other side effects such as weakening of a nearby muscle, a mild headache, and mild flu-like symptoms are rare.

Botox is safe for most people. However, only a trained physician can decide if a Botox injection is safe and right for you, and prescribe the correct dosage and exact application.

How long does it last?

This varies from person to person, but most patients find that Botox lasts approximately 2-4 months. Some patients only require Botox injections two or three times a year.

What results can I expect?

Depending on which muscles are treated, you can expect a less tired or angry look to your face, lines and wrinkles smoothed away, and a relaxed, more youthful appearance.

Remember, Botox minimizes the unwanted muscular functions beneath the skin, but these may have already resulted in permanent lines or wrinkles on the skin surface.  Botox will not affect these deep lines and wrinkles which are present without facial expression, and that is why Botox is sometimes combined with other cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing.

How long before I can see results?

Botox results can often be seen after 2-5 days, but the full effect is generally noticed after one week. Women usually see the results sooner than men. Results for a man with thicker skin and stronger muscles may take up to 10 days.

There is no limit to the number of times that you can have Botox, but to ensure the best results, seek out a trained medical professional like Dr. Landes who has a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, the muscles involved, and how they function especially around the eyes.