What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

It's the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make mild to severe frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines look better in adults. Botulinum toxin is a purified substance that's derived from bacteria. Injections of botulinum toxin block the nerve signals to the muscle in which it was injected. Without a signal, the muscle is not able to contract. The end result is diminished unwanted facial wrinkles or appearance.

 

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?

BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines — the repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, smiling and raising the eyebrows over the years. We will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice your frown lines between your brows, your crow’s feet lines and your forehead lines temporarily look better.

Treatment requires minimal downtime. You can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave the office. You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours. Full results in 10 days. The effect lasts about 3 to 4 months — and sometimes longer.

 

Will I lack facial expressions after treatment? 

We want our patients to look natural. To do this, we inject just enough to weaken and relax the targeted muscles without affecting other muscles. This allows patients to maintain their natural facial expressions. This treatment does not affect your ability to feel. 

 

What must I do after the procedure?

To prevent the injected substance from spreading to areas where you do not want it, you’ll need to take a few precautions:

• • Do not rub or massage the areas where you received the injections. 

  • If you apply makeup, take care not to press or rub it in. You should avoid doing a facial, massages, peel, or microdermabrasion. 

  • Remain upright (sitting up or standing) for at least 3 hours after procedure

  • Wait two hours before you engage in strenuous physical activity. This includes lifting heavy items, working out, and any other physical activity that raises your heart rate. 

  • Avoid alcohol for the day of the procedure as it may increase risk of bleeding 

  • Ice is OK, but avoid pressure 

 

What are the possible side effects?

If a patient develops side effects, these tend to be mild and temporary. The injections, rather than the botulinum toxin itself, cause most mild side effects. For example, a patient may occasionally bruise. If this happens, the bruising lasts about 1 week. After receiving injections, people have experienced:

• • Swelling

  • Redness

  • Soreness

  • Bruising

  • Mild headache (uncommon)

  • Weakness in a neighboring muscle, leading to a temporarily droopy brow or eyelid (rare)

  • Signs and symptoms of botulism, including problems breathing, swallowing, or speaking (very rare)

 

Can you have BOTOX® while pregnant?

It is not recommended to get BOTOX® injections if you’re pregnant, since the potential effects on the baby are not known.

 

Can you get BOTOX® while breastfeeding?

In line with the advice for pregnancy, the FDA recommends against BOTOX® injections if you are breastfeeding, because the potential effects on your baby are unknown.

 

What conditions do we not treat with BOTOX®?

Migraines, headaches, overactive bladder, muscle stiffness or spasticity, strabismus, blepharospasm, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

 

What do I need to have completed before receiving BOTOX®? 

CONSENT FOR COSMETIC BOTOX® TREATMENT, available electronically on the Charm Patient Portal.

​

Dr. Ksenia Malarkey and Dr. Alaina Goesling provide Botox at Zen Attitude Wellness in Seattle, WA.  Click below to schedule with either of them.

​