BOTOX® Cosmetic

No matter how well skin is preserved and pampered, everyone eventually develops facial wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to remove the lines that accompany aging. BOTOX® is perhaps the easiest of all these options. BOTOX® is an extremely quick approach to soften or remove the natural wrinkles between the eyes (frown lines), on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (crow's feet), or at the base of the nose (glabellar frown lines).

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is a purified protein toxin that is derived from a specific form of bacteria. It was originally utilized as a remedy for neck and facial spasms, but in the last decade it has been used effectively to remove facial wrinkles.

How BOTOX® is used?

Each day, the muscles between the eyes (frown lines) or on the outside of the eyes (crow's feet) contract many times. Over time, these muscle contractions create virtual "creases" or wrinkles in the skin. To remove these wrinkles, BOTOX® is injected through a very small needle into the muscles that cause these contractions. The BOTOX® essentially blocks the nerve impulse from reaching these muscles. Gradually, the muscles relax and the facial wrinkles soften or disappear. Patients may experience a slight discomfort when the needle is inserted and the BOTOX® injected, but this only lasts approximately 5-7 seconds. The entire treatment is performed in the physician's office and lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

Once the BOTOX® Treatment is complete:

In the majority of cases, patients return to their normal routines the same day. The muscles relax within a few days of the BOTOX® injection, causing wrinkles to either lessen or to disappear completely. The muscles remain in a relaxed state for 3 to 5 months. Further treatment is necessary to erase returning wrinkles. After several treatments, the length of time that BOTOX® is effective can increase, sometimes lasting up to 8 months.

Health Concerns

BOTOX® has been used to diminish facial wrinkles for a number of years and exhibits very few side effects. Although it causes a temporary paralysis of the muscle, it does not affect the nerve, so no numbness in the face occurs. Immediately after the treatment, BOTOX® can spread slightly and possibly lead to a temporary drooping of surrounding muscles. As such, patients should avoid rubbing the treated area for 10-15 hours following surgery. If drooping does occur, the surrounding muscles typically return to normal within a couple of weeks. In very rare instances, a blood vessel may burst, causing a temporary black and blue area. Patients who are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a neurological disease should refrain from having this procedure performed.

BOTOX® Treatment Visualizer- click to see the potential benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

What Is JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel?

JUVÉDERM® is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid-a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Your healthcare professional eases JUVÉDERM® injectable gel under the skin to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds-the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

JUVÉDERM® provides a smooth, natural look and feel-so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! In fact, studies show superior results of JUVÉDERM® compared to a collagen-based dermal filler.

• Almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both JUVÉDERM® injectable gel and another dermal filler preferred JUVÉDERM®!
• JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

With JUVÉDERM® the injection process takes only about 15 minutes and results are immediate. Plus, there's minimal recovery or downtime. So you can step into your doctor's office for treatment and step right back into your life.

How does JUVÉDERM® work?

JUVÉDERM® injectable gel dermal filler is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment. Your healthcare professional eases JUVÉDERM® under the skin using a fine needle to augment, or fill, the soft tissue of the dermis-the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis-to add volume and diminish wrinkles and folds. JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is great for your "laugh lines," "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds), or "marionette lines" (oral commissures).

JUVÉDERM® is a "next-generation" filler. It is made from hyaluronic acid -a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to hydrate and add volume. Hyaluronic acid may diminish with age, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and folds. JUVÉDERM® injectable gel works to correct this by restoring hyaluronic acid in your skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and folds.

What will treatment with JUVÉDERM® injectable gel accomplish?

JUVÉDERM® injectable gel will help to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing. And one treatment could smooth your lines and wrinkles for up to 1 year. Ask your doctor what you should expect from your initial treatment and when they would recommend rescheduling another appointment.

JUVÉDERM® Treatment Visualizer - click to see the potential benefits of JUVÉDERM® injectable gel