Botox®

What is Botox Cosmetic?

Botox®, also called botulinum toxin type A, is a prescription medicine derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This FDA approved treatment is administered through injections and can be used as a cosmetic treatment to temporarily smooth wrinkles, including severe forehead lines, crow’s feet lines, and lines between the eyebrows. Botox® reduces the muscle contractions that cause these wrinkles, giving the complexion a smoother, younger-looking appearance.

Botox® is also a prescription treatment used to treat frown lines, muscle spasms, chronic migraines, excessive sweating, urinary incontinence, and certain bladder control concerns. It may also improve vertical bands connecting the jaw and neck by relaxing the associated muscles. Results and approved uses are supported by clinical trials, although individual experiences can vary.

Benefits of Botox Injections

If you don’t feel comfortable with your appearance because of wrinkles and fine lines, Botulinum toxin treatment may benefit you. It can help you look younger and enjoy greater self-esteem.

You can have personalized treatments that target a range of age-related issues, including:

• Frown lines
• Gummy smile
• Marionette lines
• Forehead lines
• Chin dimples
• Crow’s feet
• Lip lines
• Eyebrows
• Bunny lines
• Platysmal bands

Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox®?

Botox® might be a good choice if you want to restore a youthful appearance by reducing fine lines and facial wrinkles such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and smile lines without surgery or downtime. Before treatment, tell Dr. Papel and Dr. Kontis about all your medical conditions, including muscle or nerve conditions, breathing problems, asthma symptoms, or difficulty controlling your bladder or overactive bladder. You should also discuss your health with your primary care provider when appropriate.

Provide a complete list of all the medicines you take, including blood thinners, sleep medicine, over the counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your provider if you have recently received other botulinum toxin products, as this information can affect the safety and timing of treatment.

How Is Botox® Treatment Performed?

Sometimes, Botox® is injected after a local anesthetic has been applied to the planned injection site, although many patients do not find the procedure uncomfortable enough to require anesthesia. Dr. Papel and Dr. Kontis use a very fine needle to inject Botox® into targeted facial muscles. The number of injections depends on the location and severity of the wrinkles being treated.

Botox® should not be injected into an area with a skin infection. Be sure to discuss any allergies or previous allergic reaction to botulinum toxin treatments before your appointment. In most cases, treatment takes less than 15 minutes, and the effects last approximately three to four months.

Results of Botox®

After your Botox® treatment, avoid vigorous exercise and rubbing the injection area. Applying an ice pack or taking an appropriate over-the-counter medication may help reduce temporary swelling or discomfort. It is also recommended that you sleep on your back immediately following treatment.

Temporary side effects can include swelling, bruising, headache, or neck pain. Contact your provider promptly if you notice other abnormal facial change, general muscle weakness, or all over muscle weakness. Seek immediate medical attention for serious symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, since these could indicate that the toxin’s effects have spread beyond the treatment area.

Results typically last three to four months. Many patients establish a regular injection schedule to maintain smoother, more youthful-looking skin while continuing to discuss relevant medical conditions and treatment changes with their provider.

Your Botox® Consultation in Baltimore, MD

During your Botox® consultation, you will meet with Dr. Papel and Dr. Kontis so they can assess your medical history and address any concerns you might have about botulinum toxin products. This is a good time to ask questions and gain a better understanding of how Botox® works.

Dr. Papel and Dr. Kontis have performed many successful Botox® treatments on patients from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Annapolis and the surrounding areas of Maryland and would love a chance to discuss procedural options with you! Contact us at our Baltimore office to schedule a consultation for your Botox® treatment and discuss all of your options.