Dr. Win Pound - More about Facial Rejuvenation by Injection Therapy

WHAT IS FACIAL REJUVENATION BY INJECTION?

Although we don't think about it, many of our expressions involve contraction of facial muscles. Over time this repeated muscle action to create certain expressions may result in wrinkles, creases and deep furrows that remain visible even when our faces return to a more neutral state.

Facial rejuvenation by injection with botulinum toxin (commonly abbreviated as BTX or called by the product name Botox^®) inhibits the action of the muscles that create certain expression lines through a process called denervation. Botox^® is a purified therapeutic agent used for facial rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction and softening of:

Frown lines, the horizontal crease or vertical wrinkles that develop between the eyebrows
Forehead furrows, or creases that extend horizontally across the forehead
Crows feet, or winkles that develop in the outer areas around the eyes
Cords in the neck, called platysmal bands

Botulinum toxin therapy also has non-cosmetic uses that include treatment for:

Eyelid or eye spasm
Facial or neck muscle spasm
Spastic muscles that result from conditions such as cerebral palsy
Migraine headaches
Excessive perspiration

Following treatment

Once your Botox^® procedure is completed, certain physical activities may be restricted for an hour or two. This precaution is necessary in order to avoid dispersing the injected agent and diluting its action in the injected muscles.

Occasionally, initial treatment with Botox^® does not produce the desired relaxation of muscles. In such cases, you may need to return to the office within 7 to 14 days for an evaluation and additional therapy. Otherwise, follow-up will be required within 3 to 6 months to maintain the result of your wrinkle reduction therapy. Over time, the treated muscles may gradually weaken and you may find maintenance treatments last somewhat longer than in the past.

You may find yourself surprised at how such a relatively quick and non-invasive in-office procedure can produce a marked improvement in the appearance. But don't be mistaken in believing that facial rejuvenation by injection is, by any means, simple.

Feel free to visit the "Botox Cosmetics" website to learn more about Botox and how it works.

Back to "Procedures"