BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks the communication between nerve endings and muscles, inhibiting neuromuscular activity that leads to fine lines. By relaxing muscle contraction in your face, BOTOX® softens wrinkles and fine lines.

As we age, repetitive facial expressions and overactive facial muscles often cause what are termed “dynamic wrinkles” – including crow’s feet, frown lines, lip wrinkles, and forehead wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic eliminates these wrinkles through the use of botulinum toxin, which blocks the nerve impulses that cause your facial muscles to contract. Once your facial muscles are relaxed, the wrinkles in the overlying skin soften and become smoothed out. BOTOX® Cosmetic is different from other treatments – such as Restylane® or Radiesse™ – since it does not plump up the skin or “fill” wrinkles; it simply allows the skin to flatten out.

Most patients do not need anesthesia during treatment. However, a topical cream can be applied before injection to reduce possible discomfort. The results of BOTOX® usually take around a week to become fully apparent. This allows time for your treated muscles to weaken and the overlying skin to flatten.

You may see improvement from BOTOX® immediately, and the full cosmetic effect should appear in a few days. BOTOX® is not permanent, and you will need another treatment after four to six months to maintain results. 

Repeat BOTOX® treatments usually last progressively longer than previous injections, since your muscles are already partially “trained” to remain in a relaxed state. After a second treatment, some patients experience results that last for an entire year.

For more long-term results, you may want to consider a procedure like a facelift.

In order to qualify for BOTOX® Cosmetic, you must be between the ages of 18 and 75. If you are pregnant, you should not be treated. Also, if you have certain neurological disorders – such as myasthenia gravis, ALS, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome – you might be at increased risk for complications. Broadway Plastic Surgery’s certified doctors can help you determine if you are a good candidate for BOTOX® based on your medical history.

If our doctors determine that BOTOX® is not right for you, they may suggest an alternative skin care rejuvenation solution. BOTOX® may not be the solution for you if you have:

• Allergic reactions to any of the ingredients
• Skin infection where BOTOX® will be injected
• Asthma or emphysema
• A disease affecting your muscles and nerves (such as Lou Gehrig’s disease)