Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic (Botox®)

Botulinum Toxin Type A, produced by Allergan, or Botox®, is a medication that is used to treat dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. Botulinum Toxin A can also be used on the lower face to treat the muscles that cause tiny lines around the mouth, the “sad lines” at the corners of the mouth, as well as the aging appearance of the neck. Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic works by relaxing the facial muscles, creating a smoother more refreshed appearance.

YES. Botox is a purified protein which is extracted from a naturally occurring bacteria and processed under strict pharmaceutical manufacturing guidelines. The cosmetic use of Botox® has been FDA approved.

Generally after the consultation, the procedure takes only 15 minutes. Since there is no down time, the procedure can be performed during a lunch hour, and no one would know that a treatment had occurred.

Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic is injected with a very tiny needle and a delicate syringe. Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, or tiny pin prick.

Results are normally noticed within 3-5 days, but it may take as long as two weeks before the full effect of the treatment is realized.

Dr. Parpia is trained to restore a natural, youthful facial balance. Most patients simply want to look NATURAL, RELAXED, and REFRESHED, without looking frozen. You will most likely not have a “frozen” expression.

Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic is not permanent. It lasts between 3-4 months on average, but results may vary. Scientific studies show that if you have your first three treatments every three months that subsequent treatments will last longer and possibly even require lower dosing. Patients who adhere to a prompt treatment schedule can stabilize their treatment at approximately two to three times a year.

Side effects of Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic are RARE and NOT PERMANENT. Rarely, there can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered up with makeup), redness, swelling, or a slight short term headache. As with any injections, bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction can occur. In less than one percent, a drooping eyelid can occur. Certain patients can develop antibodies to Botulinum Toxin A, which may reduce the effectiveness in subsequent injections. Most of these side effects occur in doses many times higher than that used in cosmetic treatment.

A patient’s appearance will never get worse if Botox® Cosmetic use is stopped or when it wears off. Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic “stops or slows” the clock on aging. When treatments are stopped, the “aging clock” resumes like normal. At the very minimum, the patient’s appearance will simply return to where it started. If patients use Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic for a number of years and then stop, they will receive a lasting benefit as it will take time for the muscles to return to baseline.