What to Know About Botox Cosmetic

You've probably heard of Botox before, but you may not know exactly what it is. Botox Cosmetic is a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, produced by a microbe and causes botulism. When injected, Botox will temporarily paralyze the facial muscles preventing them from creating deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, and furrows in the skin.

This article will go over what Botox Cosmetic is, how it works, and how it is used for cosmetic purposes. It will also review the risks and what you should know before opting for the procedure.

What Is Botox Cosmetic?

Originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of such conditions as blepharospasm (uncontrollable eyelid movements like blinking or twitching), migraines, incontinence, and muscle spasms, Botox has since come to be recognized for its cosmetic value.

With injections placed properly, Botox Cosmetic can block nerve impulses from being sent to muscles. It weakens them so that they cannot contract. This results in temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines.

The three other brands of botulinum toxin type A are Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau.

Procedure

With a very fine needle, Botox Cosmetic is injected into the facial muscles that cause furrows and lines.

For patients who want to lessen the appearance of crow’s feet or frown lines, the physician will inject Botox Cosmetic for the following facial characteristics:

• Crow’s feet: Botox will be injected into three areas of the orbicularis oculi, the muscle that frames the side of the eye.
• Frown lines: Botox will be injected into two of the muscles in the forehead—the procerus and corrugator muscles.
• Horizontal forehead lines: Botox will be injected into the frontal muscle in the forehead.
• Vertical lip lines: Botox will be injected into the upper lip.

Healthcare providers may choose to numb the area with ice packs or a topical numbing cream before being injected with Botox Cosmetic.

Results

Within a few days of treatment, patients will begin to see results and they can last up to four months, although areas that are treated regularly may have longer-lasting results. Injections of Botox Cosmetic should be given only by qualified medical professionals.

Side Effects

Patients have reported that the injection of Botox Cosmetic feels like a pinch. Some of the side effects of a BotoxCosmetic injection are usually mild and temporary, and include the following:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Difficulty with vision
• Localized pain at the injection site
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Bleeding
• Bruising

Patients can resume normal activities after receiving Botox Cosmetic injections.

Risks

Patients who are contemplating Botox Cosmetic injections should alert their doctor to any of the following conditions:

• An allergy to the ingredients in Botox Cosmetic
• An allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product
• A skin infection at the planned injection site
• A muscle or nerve condition that may result in difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Spread of the toxin effects to areas away from the injection site.

The healthcare provider should be made aware of all medical conditions and all medications taken, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, prior to injection with Botox Cosmetic.

Summary

Botox Cosmetic is an injection that can block nerve impulses from being sent to muscles, and inadvertently reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It's a temporary fix for wrinkles or facial lines like frown lines or crow's feet.

Before getting Botox Cosmetic, talk with your healthcare provider about whether or not it is appropriate for you, as some people should not have the treatment.

A Word From Verywell

If the visible signs of aging on your face cause you distress, you might consider treatments like Botox Cosmetic. It's important to remember that this is a temporary fix, and will not last forever. If you want to maintain the effects, continued injections will be necessary.

There are risks with the procedure, so you may consider alternative measures first, like changing diet and lifestyle habits, or using creams or lotions.