Botox® Cosmetic Treatment

Botox® Cosmetic is a purified form of the botulinum toxin. Plastic surgeons have been using Botox for years, typically for the treatment of glabellar “frown” lines. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, botulinum toxin injection is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the U.S., with 4.8 million procedures done in 2009.

Is Botox right for you?

Dr. Grenley may recommend Botox for you if you have visible wrinkles around your forehead and eyes. Aside from its cosmetic purposes, Botox is used for therapeutic treatments that help reduce muscle spasms, headaches and excessive sweating.

Botox is not recommended for patients with known sensitivity to botulinum toxin or those with an infection near the injection site.

What to Expect During Botox Treatment at Seattle Plastic Surgery Center

A Botox treatment can be completed during you lunch break, often as quickly as 15 minutes. The physician identifies the proper injection areas and then administers a specified dose of Botox into the skin via injection. Botox works by blocking transmission of nerves signals that tell your facial muscles to contract. When these small muscles are allowed to relax, the visible wrinkles flatten out and become less visible. The beneficial effects of Botox may last anywhere from two to six months, and most commonly three or four months.

After Your Botox Treatment

It may take 4 – 8 days for the effects of Botox to become visible. When you leave our Seattle office, you should remain upright for 6 hours, and avoid alcohol and sun exposure. Please contact our office if you experience any unusual symptoms or if an existing symptom becomes worse.

There is some evidence that maintaining the effect of Botox by regular injections over a one to two year period may result in long term weakening of the muscles and ultimately a reduced or less frequent need for Botox injections.

Possible side effects of Botox include redness, bruising, stinging, nausea, fatigue, eyelid droop and headache. Ask your plastic surgeon for more information if you are concerned about Botox side effects.

Do you have questions about Botox Cosmetic? Contact the Seattle Plastic Surgery Center to learn more about Botox and other non-surgical cosmetic treatments we offer. Subscribe to our email list to be notified about future Botox specials and events at our practice.