Botox^® Cosmetic Baton Rouge

What is BOTOX^® Cosmetic?

If you’re unhappy with the after effects that sun, aging, and gravity have left on your face, neck, or chest, BOTOX^® Cosmetic might be an attractive option for you. BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a purified protein that has been found to relax and soften wrinkles, reduce frown lines and crow’s feet, and generally give a softer and more youthful appearance. The protein is prepared from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and works by relaxing the overactive muscles that form fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged jaw muscles. With repeated use, BOTOX^® Cosmetic injections can help to retrain facial muscles; lessen the severity of wrinkles, lines, and other unwanted signs of stress and aging; and give you a pleasant, natural-looking appearance.

Ready to get started? Contact Sanova Dermatology of Baton Rouge to schedule your appointment.

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a brand name of BTX-A, the global name for the drug Botulinum Toxin Type A. While there are other brands of BTX-A, such as Dysport and Xeomin, BOTOX^® Cosmetic is the most well-chronicled and is known for being highly stable and precise. FDA approved in 2002 to treat frown lines and other cosmetic issues, BOTOX^® Cosmetic is the first and most trusted BTX-A treatment of its kind, delivering smooth, subtle results with minimal discomfort and downtime. The treatment is administered through small injections just beneath the skin and generally lasts three to six months. Many patients choose to complement their BOTOX^® Cosmetic treatments with Dermal Fillers.

What areas can BOTOX^® Cosmetic treat?

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is one of the safest, most effective treatments for men and women wanting a more youthful, natural-looking appearance. Key treatment areas include:

• Frown lines between the eyes – BOTOX^® Cosmetic is an effective and proven treatment for reducing the appearance of facial tension, stress, aging and anger. With a few small injections, dermatologists can stop frown lines in their tracks, lessening the appearance of these lines between the eyebrows.
• Frown lines around the mouth– In some people, an overactive DAO (Depressor Anguli Oris) muscle—the muscle that connects the mouth with the jawbone— may pull down on the sides of the mouth, giving the appearance of a permanent frown. With a few units of BOTOX^® Cosmetic, the sides of the mouth can be restored to a more pleasing position.
• Fine lines and wrinkles – BOTOX^® Cosmetic is the #1 selling treatment of its kind used to relax overactive muscles and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
• Crow’s feet – For those wanting to reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, BOTOX^® Cosmetic can be a safe cosmetic alternative to discuss with your dermatologist.
• Cosmetic jaw reshaping – Dermatologists use BOTOX^® Cosmetic to diminish the appearance of a wide or square jawline and create a thinner, more defined jawline. The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes and can be an effective alternative to plastic surgery.
• Smooth neck – Over time, the neck can start to develop horizontal wrinkles and enlarged, protruding muscles that can pull down on the face. With BOTOX^® Cosmetic, dermatologists can help to relax the neck muscles, giving the neck and face the appearance of a nonsurgical facelift.

In addition to the cosmetic results listed above, BOTOX^® Cosmetic injections have also been known to treat the following medical concerns:

• Certain eye disorders – In 1977, before BOTOX^® Cosmetic was FDA approved to manage cosmetic lines and wrinkles, it was first used to treat strabismus, or cross eyes. Studies have shown that BOTOX^® Cosmetic may also be an effective treatment for blepharospasm, or eyelid spasms.
• Stop migraines – In 2010, the FDA-approved BOTOX^® Cosmetic as a valid treatment for chronic migraines. Chronic migraines are defined as headaches experienced during 15 or more days per month over a 3-month period.
• Calm excessive sweating – BOTOX^® Cosmetic can be an effective treatment for those who experience excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, as it temporarily reduces sweat production.
• Treat TMJ dysfunction – Recent evidence points to BOTOX^® Cosmetic as an effective treatment for TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disorders and jaw tension. BOTOX^® Cosmetic may be an ideal solution for those with a history of clenching or grinding their teeth.

What to expect before, during, and after your BOTOX^® Cosmetic procedure

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that uses small, precise injections to reduce visible signs of aging like wrinkles, lines, and enlarged muscles.

• 7 Days before receiving BOTOX^® Cosmetic:
  • Tell your dermatologist about any medications and supplements you may be taking, particularly those that may be blood-thinning, such as fish oil multivitamins, Vitamin E, and St. John’s Wort. Do not go off any prescription medications unless expressly recommended by your doctor.
  • Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bruising.
• 3 Days before receiving BOTOX^® Cosmetic:
  • Steer clear of alcohol and antioxidants like cinnamon and green tea, which may prevent blood clotting. Ask your dermatologist for a full list of foods, drinks and supplements to avoid on the days leading up to your appointment.
• Day of your BOTOX^® Cosmetic appointment:
  • Consider arriving at the appointment makeup-free. Before your dermatologist administers your BOTOX^® Cosmetic units, he or she will clean the injection site, clearing your skin of makeup and oils, so remember to pack any makeup you may wish to apply (or reapply) after your appointment is over.
• During your BOTOX^® Cosmetic appointment:
  • Your appointment will be conducted in a safe, sterile environment and should only last a few minutes, depending on how many units of BOTOX^® Cosmetic you’re scheduled to receive.
  • The injections themselves are relatively painless, most often compared to a pinch or a small sting. While you may experience some tenderness during and after your injections, hold off on taking ibuprofen or aspirin, which can increase the likelihood of bruising.
• After your BOTOX^® Cosmetic appointment:
  • While it’s possible you may experience some bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site(s), it’s best to hold off on taking ibuprofen or aspirin. Instead, we recommend using a cold compress or taking an over-the-counter acetaminophen to help alleviate any discomfort.
  • To ensure that your BOTOX^® Cosmetic does not diffuse or spread to any unintended areas, it’s important to avoid rubbing and massaging your skin where the Botox was injected for at least 24 hours.
  • Avoid alcohol and strenuous activity for at least 24 hours.
  • On very rare occasions, injections may lead to negative side effects such as a drooping forehead, drooping eyelid, or difficulty breathing. If you find yourself experiencing any complications after your BOTOX^® Cosmetic injections, call your dermatologist or doctor immediately.

 *Note: BOTOX^® Cosmetic is not an appropriate treatment for those who are pregnant, nursing, or on certain antibiotics.

How long does it take for BOTOX^® Cosmetic to take effect?

A BOTOX^® Cosmetic treatment typically lasts about 10 minutes and can deliver results in as little as 24 to 48 hours. It generally takes 5-7 days before the full effects of BOTOX^® Cosmetic start to kick in, and about 2 weeks to experience the full results.

 How long does BOTOX^® Cosmetic last?

BOTOX^® Cosmetic results are temporary and can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on your body, metabolism and area of treatment. With repeated treatments, lines and wrinkles often become less pronounced as the muscles shrink and adjust to their smaller sizes.

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Contact Sanova Dermatology

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists, please contact Sanova Dermatology in Baton Rouge today. Need a location closer to you? See our other Louisiana locations.