Facial lines and wrinkles are caused by many factors, including sun exposure, loss of elasticity and excessive muscle activity. Hyperfunctional facial lines, those caused by skin pleating when the underlying muscles contract, are bothersome because they may be misinterpreted as anger, fatigue or aging. Botox injections are useful in minimizing or eliminating hyperfunctional facial lines, particularly those located between the eyes, on the forehead and the crow's feet.

Botox® is a relatively new procedure using Botulinum Toxin which was developed to treat the visual signs of aging by reducing or removing wrinkles.  The procedure is considered a safe, effective way of treating aging skin.  Common areas for Botox® injections include horizontal forehead furrows, vertical lines between the eyebrows and "crow's feet" around the eyes.  Botox® has proven to be the best non-surgical form of facial rejuvenation and is capable of producing phenomenal improvements in your appearance.

Reasons for Considering a Botox Treatment:

• Excessive facial wrinkles.
• Large wrinkles or furrows in your forehead.
• Small wrinkles or “crow’s feet” around your eyes.
• A vertical “frown line” between your eyebrows.

General Procedure

The procedure works by altering the facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to wrinkles.  A cream with local anesthetic will be placed on your skin prior to treatment, and ice will be immediately applied upon completion of the Botox® treatment.  Typically a small amount (1-2 cc’s) of Botox® is injected into the area of the wrinkle.  Botox® works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles, thereby relaxing them.  The result is the underlying facial muscles relax and the skin begins to smooth out.  The effects of a Botox® treatment will last approximately three to six months after which the patient may choose to repeat the procedure.

Recovery Process

Patients generally return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, however following the post-procedure guidelines will dramatically reduce the length and intensity of the recovery period.  Patients should avoid engaging in heavy physical exercise, applying cosmetics, or laying down flat for a minimum of 4 hours after the injections.  It is also advisable to avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for at least 24 hours.