See the dramatic results YOU can achieve
with Botox

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh or frown. The more emotion you show, the deeper these wrinkles and lines are likely to be.
Deep ingrained lines of the face will not be affected by Botox injections only those lines caused by muscular activity will be improved or softened.

The procedure known as cosmetic denervation uses Botox injections to improve the appearance of worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, crow’s feet and other dynamic wrinkles.

WHAT IS BOTOX THERAPY?
Botox is a purified botulinum toxin and is used to soften facial lines and wrinkles. Botox works well for forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Botox is injected into the muscle in these areas and works by weakening the muscle, which in turn lessens the lines of facial expression. Botox relaxes the muscles so they do not contract fully. Botox blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines.

ARE BOTOX TREATMENTS SAFE?
Botox injections have been used safely and effectively for over ten years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders. Each year thousands of patients receive Botox treatments for a variety of conditions and it is quickly becoming a popular treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging. Botox treatments for wrinkles and signs of aging have not specifically been approved by the FDA. It is considered an “off the shelf use” of this product and has been used by physicians for this purpose.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT LIKE?
Cosmetic enervation with Botox is a simple and relatively safe procedure. Using a tiny needle, a very small amount of Botox is injected into several locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. Using a topical anesthetic (Emma cream) will further diminish your discomfort. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. You can resume normal activities immediately but exercise is not recommended for 4-6 hours. You can drive yourself home. Some patients experience a slight bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up. The treated areas will take 5 to 14 days to soften; treatment will last 3 to 6 months.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE FOLLOWED
If any of the following apply to you, you should not receive Botox injections:
- If you have myasthenia gravis
- If you have neuromuscular disease such as muscular sclerosis
- If you have an allergy to human albumin (eggs )or to botulinum toxin
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding
- If you have taken aspirin, Advil or anti-inflammatory medication in the last
two weeks.

WHAT TO DO AFTER BOTOX INJECTIONS
Do not lie down for 4 hours after the treatment
Do not massage the treated muscles for 4 hours, this could possibly cause the Botox to spread to the muscles around the eyes.
Exercise the muscles injected by contracting them 2-3 times every 15 minutes for 1 hour after the treatment, this helps the Botox attaches better to active muscles.

REPEAT BOTOX INJECTIONS
Injections can be repeated every 3 to 6 months. With time some patients will require less frequent treatments as they break the habit of contracting frown lines and other muscles of facial expression. The muscles themselves may weaken from lack of use.
Sometimes an injection does not have sufficient effect and a touch-up is necessary. The Botox effect may take 36 hours to 14 days. Repeat injections are necessary every 3-6 months or sooner in some individuals.

Sometimes the Botox injection is not effective due to the production of antibodies or individual resistance to Botox. Boxtox effect may also decrease in its affectivity over time.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. Sometimes an injection does not have sufficient effect and a touch-up is necessary. Occasionally, individuals may be resistant to the Botox injection. Rarely, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid can occur. Lasting for up to six months, this drooping is may be reversible with an eye drop medication.

Extremely rare double vision has been reported. In some cases, Botox can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles and asymmetry of the face. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected. Dr. Rosenthal will discuss this with you in length before your treatment. Because the effects of Botox are usually reversible, most side effects are temporary, lasting a few weeks to months.

We look forward to assisting you and will be glad to answer any questions relating to Botox injections.

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D.
Fairfield County, Connecticut                                                                     *Models are not actual patients