BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines.

Applications for BOTOX® Cosmetic

Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX Cosmetic was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines. BOTOX Cosmetic is used to treat the following:

• Forehead furrows
• Frown lines
• Crow's feet
• Skin bands on the neck

According to Allergan, BOTOX Cosmetic has been "extensively researched, with approximately 2500 studies."

BOTOX® Cosmetic Procedure and Results

Using a very fine needle, BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.

Side Effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic

Injection-site side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and include the following:

Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.

Botox Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Botox® is a well-established, popular injection treatment used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. The key to getting natural-looking, great results is the experience of your injector. Our injector Dr. Amiry has many years of experience, believes in a natural result and listens to patient's desires.

What is Botox?

Botox is the brand name of a neuromodulator known as botulinum toxin type A. Botox is an injectable cosmetic treatment that effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox is safe to use and has been FDA approved since 1989.

Which wrinkles does Botox treat?

Cosmetic Botox is FDA approved for use on crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eyes), horizontal lines on the forehead and wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Often patients ask us if Botox is good for lips or facial volume, but it is only used for movement lines. We do offer fillers for facial volume enhancement.

Does Botox hurt?

Many patients find the procedure tolerable, but as with any injection it might be uncomfortable. The needles used for Botox injections are very small, so pain is usually mild. Your practitioner may offer ice packs or numbing cream so that you don’t feel much at all.

Will my face look frozen or unnatural?

Too much Botox in the wrong places can give you a frozen or expressionless face. However, our providers are very experienced and skilled in making you look normal and natural while still giving you a more refreshed and youthful appearance.

How much Botox do I need?

Every person is unique and the amount of Botox you will need depends on your situation. Some of the factors that contribute to the amount of Botox you need include:

• The type of wrinkles you want to treat
• Your aesthetic goals
• Your health history
• The number of times you have had Botox in the past
• The degree of muscle movement in your face

Botox vs. Fillers

Botox and fillers are both injections, but they are not the same thing. Botox® limits muscle movement while fillers add volume to the face. Botox works to reduce the movement of muscles that cause wrinkles in the face. Facial fillers fill in the trouble areas, replace lost volume or enhance volume and contours of the face.

How does Botox work?

Essentially, when Botox is injected into the muscle, it blocks the nerve signals that cause movement. This temporarily relaxes the muscles and allows wrinkles to soften, dissipate or disappear entirely.

Side effects of Botox

The common side effects of Botox include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Slight bruising
• Muscle weakness near the injection site

How long does Botox last?

Generally, Botox injections last 3-4 months. After that, you will need follow up treatments to keep your results. However, as time goes on, you can expect your treatments to last longer.

How can I learn more?

If you are interested in Botox and learning what it can do for you, schedule a consultation. During a consultation you will speak to one of our providers about your concerns and expectations and discuss potential treatment options.

If Botox is right for you, you will be asked to make several facial expressions so that the practitioner can assess the size and movement of your facial muscles to create an accurate and unique treatment plan.

Best Botox Injector in Reston, Northern Virginia

When you schedule a consultation at our office, you'll see why many patients believe that we have the best Botox injector in Reston, Northern Virginia.