Neurotoxin

Botox (short for botulinum toxin) is an FDA-approved injectable substance made from a protein that occurs naturally in the body. A noninvasive, though temporary, alternative to surgery, BOTOX Cosmetic makes the face smoother, younger-looking and free of lines and wrinkles.

Every day, our faces go through a workout as they express our emotions and communicate non-verbal messages to other people. To make these expressions, certain facial muscles need to contract; over time, these repeated expressions form lines on our skin that don't go away even after the expression is gone. These lines can make us look older and worn out. Botox injections temporarily paralyze the targeted facial muscle or muscles that cause facial wrinkles to form. After a Botox treatment, you can expect to look years younger, with smoother, firmer skin creating a wrinkle-free, yet natural-looking, facial appearance.

Botox is one of a group of injectables collectively known as neuromodulators. Botox is a brand name, and BOTOX Cosmetic is an injectable product marketed by the manufacturer. All neuromodulators work by relaxing facial muscles and preventing them from contracting, thereby smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Other popular neuromodulators include Dysport and Xeomin. Dysport can be effective for certain areas, such as 11's or vertical creases between the eyes, but Botox is typically the preferred muscle-relaxer treatment. When the underlying muscles are responsible for the wrinkles, neuromodulators are an effective way to give these muscles a rest.

People who are considered suitable candidates for Botox are men and women who want a younger-looking face with less-noticeable wrinkles.

Dr. Ali Ghafouri administers Botox at his office in a routine visit that typically takes fewer than 15 minutes to complete. Dr. Ghafouri will use tiny, fine needles to inject the substance into the facial muscles targeted for treatment (based on which wrinkles are being softened).

A Botox treatment creates only minimal discomfort, as the needles being used are very fine. If you prefer, however, Dr. Ghafouri can use an anesthetic cream to numb the area before injection.

There is no downtime or recovery period after Botox. In fact, it is often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure” because people can have the treatment on their lunch hour and then return to daily life immediately afterward. There may be some mild redness and/or swelling in the treatment area, which typically disappears after the first day. Though you can return to work, driving and regular exercise immediately, avoid touching the injection sites or engaging in any strenuous activity for the remainder of the day after your treatment.

Typical Botox results last anywhere from four to six months.

Many factors influence the cost of Botox, including the location, experience of the injector and treatment details. Larger muscles may require more units of Botox than smaller areas, and some wrinkles are asymmetrical, requiring more Botox on one side than the other. The facial muscles are typically stronger in men and need additional Botox units. The severity of your wrinkles will also play a part in your cost estimate for Botox.nnBe wary of too-good-to-be-true prices for Botox. You need a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon to perform your injectable treatment to ensure safe and effective results. Sacrificing quality for a lower price can lead to unsatisfactory results that cost more to address. The surgeon's experience and your comfort level with the surgeon are essential factors to consider when choosing your Botox provider.nnAvoid social gatherings or “Botox parties” designed to offer injectables at a low price for a large group of people. There are many health concerns with Botox treatment in these settings and an increased risk for unsatisfactory results and adverse reactions.