BOTOX® cosmetic

BOTOX® is a cosmetic treatment that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and deep lines, like those that appear in between the brows and around the eyes. It’s a popular injectable treatment for women and men who want more youthful, refreshed, and vibrant appearances.

Would you like to reduce signs of aging? Call Kellogg Clinic Aesthetic, Laser, & Weight Loss Center to learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic at our Wichita, KS offices.

As you age, the repetitive motions that your facial muscles make contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. Over time the wrinkles can become permanent, and they can be noticeable even if you’re not moving those muscles.

BOTOX® is the brand name for botulinum toxin - a toxin that causes muscle weakness. When injected in very small amounts into your facial muscles, the muscles relax, which reduces the pull they exert on the skin. As a result, wrinkles relax, soften, and can even disappear altogether!

BOTOX® Cosmetic works on wrinkles and lines that are caused by common facial expressions like frowning and smiling. The injectable won’t work on wrinkles that are caused by loss of facial volume or skin laxity.

Having a treatment takes less than 10 minutes. The serum is delivered via injection through a very fine needle, so it causes only a minimal amount of discomfort.

Once your treatment is over, you’ll be able to go about your day as usual, including going back to work. There’s no recovery period, and there are very few restrictions on your activity level. The only restriction is that for the first 24 hours, it’s best to avoid exercise and strenuous activity. This is to reduce the risk of BOTOX® spreading from the injection sites to other parts of the face.

These treatments are given in units. For any given area, the number of units needed varies, depending on the strength of your facial muscles and the thickness of your skin. This means that men often need more units than women for similar levels of treatment.

On average, you can expect to need 12 to 24 units per area in the most common areas.

Once BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected, it takes 3 to 12 days to see the full results. During this time, the most common side effects are a low risk of bruising and some tenderness at the injection sites. You can reduce bruising by avoiding aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs for two weeks before your treatment. Some people may have headaches during the first day or two after treatment.

A very rare side effect is eyelid drooping, which usually goes away within two to three weeks. This kind of side effect is typically the result of the substance moving away from injection sites. You can prevent or minimize it by avoiding touching the injection sites for at least 12 hours after having a treatment.

Because BOTOX® can cause symptoms that take a bit of time to settle, it’s a good idea to schedule your treatment at least two to three weeks in advance if you’re planning to attend a special event. That way, you can be confident that you’ll feel great about your appearance on the big day!