

BOTOX® Cosmetic is an FDA approved natural purified protein administered only by trained physicians. Using a very tiny needle, low doses of BOTOX® are injected precisely into the small muscles of the face that cause frown lines, crows feet, forehead furrows and other wrinkles that are created by making facial expressions. The treatment is done in about 10 minutes and because it is non-surgical, no recovery time is needed.
Facial expressions are produced by contraction of small muscle fibers in the face. As we age, and repetitively express ourselves, these lines become etched into our face causing stubborn wrinkles and deep furrows to form. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly into these muscles where it works to relax them thereby smoothing out the overlying wrinkles and fine lines. The toxin acts on the junctions between nerves and muscles, preventing the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine from the nerve endings.
Only the muscles that are treated are affected. Muscles needed for important functions like eating, kissing, smiling, and eye opening are not treated and their continued function helps to maintain a natural look.
The results of Botox are not immediate; they are typically noticeable within two to three days but may take up to a week to fully develop.
The effects generally last between three to six months with the lines gradually reverting to the pretreated appearance. Some studies show that after multiple treatments, results become longer lasting.
In the hands of an experienced injector, Botox can produce results that allow for natural facial movement and expressions yet still produce exactly the desired effect on wrinkles and furrows. Treatment with Botox will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done."
Prior to injecting, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and is nearly painless. most people return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
As with any injection procedure, there is some minor discomfort often described as a short insect bite. There is usually no pain afterwards. Some patients experience a small amount of redness, or swelling in the injected area which generally resolves within an hour. Although most patients experience no side effects, a small minority of patients have reported temporary headaches, bruising, or flu-like symptoms.
You can decrease your chance of bruising if you avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin products for 7-10 days prior to your visit.
A potential adverse effect of Botox is a droopy eyelid but this occurs in less than 0.5% of patients. If this occurs, it is temporary but can take up to six weeks to disappear. Prescription eye drops can be given to speed up the resolution of this problem.
Anyone with neuromuscular disorders or on certain antibiotics may be advised not to have Botox injections.
You can return to work and resume regular activities right after the treatment but strenuous exercise and activity should be avoided for four to six hours. You should also keep your head upright and avoid massaging the treated area after the injections so that the Botox will remain in the desired location and not migrate into other facial muscles.
To make the selection process easier, you may want to consider choosing a doctor from the BOTOX® Cosmetic Physicians' Network. Members of the Network have medical practices that focus on facial aesthetics, as well as detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and experience injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic. Their practices also offer other facial aesthetic treatments.
We make searching the Network easy with Find a Doctor. Just enter your ZIP code to locate a BOTOX® Cosmetic Physicians' Network doctor in your area. Or, to find out if a doctor is part of the Network, you can type in his or her name.
The most commonly injected areas are the glabella (the area between the brows) and the crows feet (lines outside of the corners of the eyes). Dr Moskowitz also treats forehead lines, lines around the mouth, non-surgical brow-lift using BOTOX®, eye-widening, and can up-turn the corners of the mouth.
BOTOX® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
If you do not continue treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment. There are no permanent effects of BOTOX®.
When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® Cosmetic is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2003 survey, BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Consult your doctor for further information.
BOTOX® does not cause wrinkles. If you receive BOTOX® injections in one area, that area will move less. Some people compensate by moving other areas of their face. These areas may show some wrinkles while the Botox is active.
Yes, studies have shown that when performed correctly, by injecting along the acupuncture points, up to 85% of migraine headaches can be alleviated. Dr. Moskowitz is highly experienced in this technique.