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BOTOX® Cosmetic

Massachusetts Dermatology Associates offers its patients on the North Shore MA Botox treatment administered by Dr. Deborah Cummins, board-certified dermatologist and expert in facial surgical reconstruction.

Frequently Asked Questions (Botox® Cosmetic):

Who should consider treatment with Botox® Cosmetic?

Adults with facial wrinkles that are accentuated with facial movement (e.g. smiling, frowning, raising eyebrows) are appropriate candidates for Botox treatment. We call these types of wrinkles “dynamic wrinkles”.  These are different from “static wrinkles” which are present when the face is at rest.  The four major areas that we treat with Botox are 1) “frown lines” between eyebrows; 2) “crow’s feet” on the sides of eyes; 3) “bunny lines” on top of nose; 4) forehead wrinkles.

What visible results can I expect from Botox® Cosmetic?

Within 4-7 days after Botox wrinkle treatment, the wrinkles in treated areas should soften considerably.

Who should not get Botox®?

Patients with a neuromuscular disorder such as myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, ALS, or with myopathies should not get Botox treatment. In addition, those desiring treatment of “static wrinkles” mentioned above may be better served by other cosmetic procedures.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under the age of 18 years, allergic to cow’s milk protein, albumin, egg whites, or hypersensitive to any botulinum toxin product you are advised against Botox treatment.

How does Botox® work?

Botox is a substance that relaxes muscles into which it is injected. Benefits usually develop 4 to 7 days after Botox treatment.  Botox® Cosmetic is FDA approved for the treatment of frown lines.  These injections have been used for more than a decade in children and adults to improve the problem of muscle spasm of the facial muscles.  It has been noted when injected in small amounts in the right area, it helps relax the muscles that cause folds and wrinkles.  It is also used to improve hyperhidrosis, a condition causing excessive sweating.  Botox has a Black Box warning from the FDA noting that rarely Botox can spread from the site of injection causing potentially serious (but extremely rare) side effects.  Your physician can provide you with a copy of this warning.

What are the side effects of Botox treatment?

While most patients tolerate Botox wrinkle treatment very well, there is often mild discomfort associated with the injections and sometimes bruising, swelling, and/or mild headaches after the injections. Rarely, an adjacent muscle may be weakened for a few weeks after the injection and cause drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid or double vision.  In the treatment around the chin or mouth, the smile may be mildly modified.   Allergic reactions are uncommon.

How many Botox treatment sessions will I need, and how long will the effects last?

The effects of Botox usually last for 3-4 months but can last longer. Repeated Botox treatments are recommended when the effects of the prior injection diminish.

How shall I prepare for my treatment?

There are no specific recommendations to prepare for Botox wrinkle treatment.

What is the Botox treatment procedure like?

The doctor will ask you to frown (in order to accentuate your facial muscles) and then will inject the Botox solution with a small needle. There will be some minor discomfort during the injection procedure, but it is tolerable and local anesthesia is not indicated.  The assistant will apply pressure to the injected areas.  The entire Botox treatment typically takes less than 15 minutes.

What shall I do after Botox treatment?

You will be advised to remain vertical (avoid lying flat) for at least 4 hours after the procedure and refrain from vigorous exercise. You will be counseled not to rub, press, or otherwise manipulate the treated area.  For 2-3 hours following treatment it is helpful to exercise the facial muscles as much as possible by performing a range of facial expressions.  You should see desired effects within 4-7 days after Botox treatment.

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