Botox cosmetic is a neurotoxin, a purified form of botulinum toxin, that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a way to improve the look of frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet near the eyes and forehead lines.

Botox works on wrinkles in two ways: it weakens the muscle that causes wrinkles, and it blocks certain signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract. When injected into a specific area, Botox relaxes the muscles underneath the skin which softens or eliminates wrinkles caused by overactive muscles.

Botox treats dynamic wrinkles, the wrinkles of expression, including deep forehead creases caused by muscle contractions when frowning, brow lines, the “11s” worry lines between the eyebrows, bunny lines on the nose, vertical lip lines and crow’s feet around the eyes for a more youthful aesthetic. Botox, when used early, can also be used to prevent the formation of static wrinkles.

In addition to treating dynamic wrinkles on the face, in the hands of an expert injector and cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Shagalov can use Botox to:

• Lift the corners of the mouth to reduce lines that create a perpetual frown.
• Reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
• Lift the tip of the nose.
• Raise and level droopy eyebrows to make the eyes look more open and awake and help with mild eyelid droopiness.
• Release and smooth the neck bands and jowls that betray your age. By releasing the neck muscles it reduces the pull on the jawline and lifts the jowls.
• Smooth chin dimples caused by muscle contractions.
• Slim a squared jaw to soften the shape of the face.
• Used to perform a lip flip, giving the lip a fuller and more robust appearance.

The Botox procedure is a simple, minimally invasive injection. After identifying targeted muscles and areas of treatment, Dr. Shagalov will clean the skin and inject small amounts of Botox Cosmetic into the chosen locations. Total treatment time typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes with minimal discomfort. There is no recovery period after receiving Botox injections.

Results typically begin to appear within 72 to 96 hours and can last up to 4-6 months; however, results vary from person to person. After that, the procedure can be repeated as needed to maintain the desired results. Over time, the effects of Botox can even last longer with repeat treatments and may even reduce the amount of Botox needed to achieve the same results.

Side effects from Botox are minimal and generally temporary in nature. The most common side effects include pain, swelling, redness or bruising at the injection site. Other rare side effects may include headaches, flu-like symptoms and temporary drooping of the eyelid. Patients should discuss any potential side effects with Dr. Shagalov prior to treatment.

Botox is a safe and effective anti-aging treatment option for men and women who desire to refresh and enhance their appearance without surgery and invasive procedures.

The key to good results is a cosmetic dermatologist who has an artistic eye and knows facial anatomy. Dr. Devorah Shagalov is an expert injector who is a board-certified dermatologist and dual fellowship trained Mohs surgeon and Cosmetic Dermatologist.