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What is Botox®?
Botox Cosmetic is a botulinum toxin injection treatment that is FDA-approved for fine lines and wrinkles often found on the face. It’s also effective in treating overactive bladder, excessive sweating, and chronic migraines.
Botox is comprised of botulinum toxin type A, which, when injected into the muscle, prevents the muscle from moving, which causes lines and wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, between the brows, and horizontally across the forehead. Most facial expressions involve facial muscles that act in opposition, so paralyzing a muscle that might pull down the corner of the mouth can result in a happier appearance. The same is true of the forehead region.
The botulinum toxin injections are minimally invasive and do not require downtime from the patient. In addition to signs of aging, Botox can also provide balance to facial asymmetry.
Who is a Candidate?
A candidate for Botox injections could be someone looking to prevent lines from forming in the expressive areas of the face or someone already seeing signs of aging or asymmetry. It’s for those struggling with dynamic wrinkles like severe frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and smile and laugh lines.
The treatment is relatively painless and is well tolerated by patients, making it suitable for most, regardless of age. Many patients are best served to begin Botox treatments in their late 20s or early 30s before the facial wrinkles can become permanent, even at rest.
Pediatric patients will be encouraged to seek alternative treatment plans to medical conditions as upper respiratory tract infection conditions are likely to increase. At the same time, more advanced adult patients treated with Botox may find the botulinum toxin injection ineffective if the wrinkles have been present for decades.
Since a needle is used to pierce the skin and inject the product, bruising can occur at the injection site, which should be taken into consideration before an important event. Be sure to tell your injector if you have been taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners, which will increase the risk of bruising. Other side effects are uncommon and will be discussed before treatment, but if you are experiencing any other side effects, contact Dr. Sweat’s office with any concerns.

Jeffery A.Sweat, M.D.
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The Procedure
Botulinum toxin injections are relatively quick, usually lasting 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area. For both cosmetic and medical Botox, a fine needle is used to inject the Botox directly into the targeted muscles. The procedure is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort, as a topical numbing cream or ice may be applied to reduce pain.
Benefits
Of Botox Injections
Botox injections offer a wide range of cosmetic and medical benefits, whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, restore a youthful appearance, or address specific medical concerns:
Results
More obvious issues may be softened, and asymmetry can be corrected. There is no downtime associated with Botox other than some slight redness in the treatment area, which usually subsides within 5-10 minutes. Dr. Sweat advises his patients to avoid heavy exercise after treatment for 12 hours. It is important to understand that Botox paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles, but deep or etched lines may only be slightly softened or require multiple treatments to soften.
At times, Botox is combined with other cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers to treat deep wrinkles that are present even when the muscle is not active; the dermal filler will fill the wrinkle, and the Botox will prevent the wrinkle from returning. Generally, you will not see the effects of Botox on the muscle for 36-48 hours, and the maximal effect will not be achieved for upwards of two weeks.
If you have concerns about asymmetry or residual movement after a couple of weeks, it is important to come back to the office to be re-evaluated, as touchups are sometimes necessary, especially in patients who are new to the practice.
Results last between three and six months on average, but it is important to understand that slight movement will occur sooner, and full muscle movement will return within the 3-6 month window.
The longevity of your results depends on your age, the condition of your skin, the rate of metabolism of the Botox by your body, the strength of the dose administered, and how long the patient has been receiving Botox. A muscle that has been paralyzed repeatedly over the course of many years will eventually lose strength and bulk. It is generally inadvisable to inject Botox more often than every 3 months unless a touch-up is needed after two weeks for maximal effect.

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