BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections - Frequently Asked Questions

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections get rid of forehead wrinkles and other fine lines almost immediately—without surgery. Find out if BOTOX® injections are right for you.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections were approved by the FDA for the treatment of wrinkles in 2002. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a diluted form of Botulinum Toxin Type A, a bacterium that causes botulism (a type of food poisoning).

What Are the Most Common Uses of BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections?

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can be used to treat wrinkles of the face (forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow's feet). Before BOTOX® Cosmetic was used for cosmetic purposes, it was FDA approved for alternative treatments including migraine headaches, low back pain, excessive sweating, muscle spasticity, neck spasms, facial spasms, and vocal cord spasms.

How do BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections Work?

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections block nerve impulses to the muscles, causing the muscles to relax. Facial wrinkles disappear almost instantly, creating a more youthful appearance.

Who is a Good Candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections?

Patients who are not candidates for extensive facial cosmetic surgery procedures and those who show the early signs of aging are good candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic injections.

Patients who are not good candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic include pregnant women, nursing mothers, those who are allergic to Botulinum Toxin Type A, those who have a history of botulism poisoning, and patients taking other medications that may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

What Happens during BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections?

The doctor can do the entire procedure right in the office, making a series of injections directly into the facial muscles. The BOTOX® Cosmetic procedure is fast and easy, usually painless, and you can walk out of the office and continue with your day.

What Results Can I Expect following BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections?

You should notice a pronounced improvement within three to five days of receiving the BOTOX® Cosmetic injections. The results are not permanent, and should last for about three to six months.

What are the Risks of BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections?

Risks of BOTOX® Cosmetic injections include: headache, nausea, an allergic reaction, no improvement after treatment, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid, and numbness, tingling, bruising, or swelling in the injection area.

Find a BOTOX® Provider in Your Area

DocShop is your online resource to find doctors who provide BOTOX® Cosmetic injections in your area. Find a BOTOX® Cosmetic specialist in your area today.