Frequently Asked Questions
What is Botox Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. During treatment, very low doses of Botox Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny
injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. The treatment is
usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within days, you
may see an improvement that can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
How does Botox Cosmetic work?
Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. Botox Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscles between your brows. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected
muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to
form.
When will I see results from a Botox Cosmetic treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines
between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and results can last
for up to 4 months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women rated the
improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month after treatment. Results
may vary.
How long does Botox Cosmetic last?
Results from treatment with Botox Cosmetic can last for up to 4 months. If you
discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they
did before treatment.
Is treatment with Botox Cosmetic painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your doctor may numb the area with anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people are in and out of the doctor's office without downtime following the treatment.
Who should not use Botox Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed
injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the
formulation. Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects. For more details, see the full Prescribing Information.
Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with Botox Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.
What will happen to the frown lines between my brows if I choose not to
continue treatments?
If you do not continue treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between your
brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.
