Murray J. Riggins, MD ...Leading expert in facial rejuvenation.
What is BOTOX®Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a FDA approved protein naturally derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum Type A. It has been used for more than 20 years to reduce unwanted muscle activity in eye and nerves. Today, its best known use is for the cosmetic reduction of facial expression lines. Are you worried about your wrinkles? Those worry lines, frown lines, laugh or smile lines , not to mention the crow's feet! They come from years of living and expressing emotions. You can express yourself and still look years younger!!
Ask Dr. Riggins: Let's Clear Up A Few BOTOX® Cosmetic MYTHS
Can you get botulism from BOTOX®Cosmetic? Extremely small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered to treat wrinkles. This smal quantity is insufficient to cause botulism. BOTOX® Cosmetic made by Allergan, the only pharmaceutical company which makes BOTOX®Cosmetic in United States, And BOTOX ®Cosmetic has not caused any cases of botulism.
Isn't BOTOX®Cosmetic a poison?
This question is often asked. Think about this example: If you have a strep throat, what might a doctor prescribe? Penicillin. What does Penicillin do? It's a poison that kills the strep bacteria. Without this particular "poison", countless lives would have been lost to infection. Most medicine can be "poison" if improperly administered. Properly used, modern medications like BOTOX®Cosmetic get results without adverse side effects. At our practice, we use only BOTOX® Cosmetic that is purchased directly from Allergan.
What is watered-down BOTOX®Cosmetic?
Very few people know that BOTOX®Cosmetic is shipped at low temperatures in powdered form. ALL BOTOX®Cosmetic must have sterile saline solution added before injection because you can't inject powder. The volume of solution used can be variable. What is important is the units of Botox®Cosmetic used to treat an area. There could be 10 units of BOTOX®Cosmetic in 1/10th cc, or only one unit per 1/10th cc of fluid. It is the amount of BOTOX®Cosmetic units used that will effect your results.
What is a BOTOX® Cosmetic Injection?
BOTOX®Cosmetic is formally called Botulinum Toxin Type A and is a therapeutic neurotoxin used safely and effectively in anti-wrinkle treatment. The injections actually target the nerves within muscles in a specific area and "relax" them.
How do the injection treatments work?
Using a tiny micro-needle, very small amounts of BOTOX®Cosmetic are injected into specific muscles that cause those frown lines. The serum then blocks nerve impulses from the nerve within the specific muscle causing the contractions. The treatments serve to "relax" those muscles and allow the skin to smooth out and become "unwrinkled." Untreated areas are not affected.
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Botox® Patient 1:
Botox to Crow's Feet. |
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Botox® Patient 2:
Botox to Crow's Feet. |
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Botox® Patient 3:
Botox to Crow's Feet. |
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BOTOX®Cosmetic has been used successfully in many types of medical treatments for years.
What causes deep lines and wrinkles referred to as "dynamic" wrinkles?
Every day our facial muscles are called into play many, many times to help create expressions such as smiles, frowns, laughter etc. Over time these repeated muscle contractions cause the lines and wrinkles that appear in our faces - as part of the aging process, and loss of skin elasticity from sun damage. Genetics, family history and lifestyles such as smoking, and excessive sun exposure also factor into the wrinkle creation process.
Why is EVERYONE talking about BOTOX®Cosmetic?
Facial wrinkles help us show others our emotions, but some unwanted facial wrinkles always seem to show stress or anger, even if those appearances aren't the way we are feeling. This is especially true when the lines of your forehead show and between your eyes. many facial lines make us appear older than our actual age. BOTOX ® Cosmetic is used to block the nerve impulses that tell those muscles to move. BOTOX ®Cosmetic is used to treat wrinkles that are found when you make facial expressions.
Will I look like a stiff, wax dummy with no movement in my face after my BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
No, you will NOT look like dummy. The main goal of a BOTOX®Cosmetic treatment is to improve the apparent age of your skin without it being able to noticeable. By reducing your wrinkles while allowing for normal facial expression you can have a much more relaxed and youthful appearance.
Does a BOTOX®Cosmetic Injection hurt?
Like any "shot", worrying about this is actually 10 times worse than actually getting this injection. Getting a BOTOX®Cosmetic treatment the pain and discomfort is minimal and lasts seconds. Typically several injections are given with each treatment. Once the injection is complete, there's usually no discomfort.
How does your face look a after BOTOX®Cosmetic Treatment?
Immediately after treatment, the treated areas look like mosquito bites. This redness subsides with hours. Not often, some people can experience slight bruising and swelling. If this does happen, these normally resolve within a few hours to days. The skin feels normal and there is no unusual sensation.
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Botox® Patient 4:
Botox to Crow's Feet. |
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Botox® Patient 5:
Botox to Crow's Feet. |
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How soon do you see results?
BOTOX®Cosmetic takes effect in three to ten days.
How long does BOTOX®Cosmetic last?
Usually BOTOX®Cosmetic lasts for 3 months, sometimes 4. Each person metabolizes BOTOX®Cosmetic at different rates so the treatment may last longer. When BOTOX®Cosmetic wears off, you will begin to see your facial expression lines again. If you want to keep the wrinkles away, another treatment should be scheduled. Please call us for more information.
What is the difference between BOTOX®Cosmetic and other products such as collagen and facial fillers?
BOTOX®Cosmetic treats the unwanted "wrinkles " that appear with facial expression at the muscle level. Facial Fillers such as Juvederm®, or Radiesse fill wrinkles and reduce the appearance of lines when there is no facial expression. The moment you smile or frown, the lines may become visible if BOTOX®Cosmetic isn't used. When used together you will achieve your maximize the desired results.
If you have any questions about BOTOX®Cosmetic please email Dr. Riggins.
We also offer Injectable Wrinkle Management:
Please take advantage of our beauty skin care promotion
If you would like to enhance your appearance, please contact us or call to schedule your complimentary consultation. Dr. Murray J. Riggins would like to share with you the most current information on beauty transformation and help you achieve the best results possible. Please call us today!! 202.391.0295
For more information about BOTOX®Cosmetic, visit www.botox.com
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