Serving the Denver Metro area including Aurora, Boulder, Cherry Creek, Englewood, Highlands Ranch and Littleton

How does BOTOX® work?

As we age, repetitive facial expressions and overactive facial muscles often cause what are termed “dynamic wrinkles” – including crow’s feet, frown lines, lip wrinkles, and forehead wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic eliminates these wrinkles through the use of botulinum toxin, which blocks the nerve impulses that cause your facial muscles to contract. Once your facial muscles are relaxed, the wrinkles in the overlying skin soften and become smoothed out. BOTOX® Cosmetic is different from other treatments – such as Restylane® or Radiesse™ – since it does not plump up the skin or “fill” wrinkles; it simply allows the skin to flatten out.

Most patients do not need anesthesia during treatment. However, a topical cream can be applied before injection to reduce possible discomfort. The results of BOTOX® usually take around a week to become fully apparent. This allows time for your treated muscles to weaken and the overlying skin to flatten.

What are the side effects of BOTOX®?

BOTOX® Cosmetic’s excellent safety profile is a key reason it remains the number one non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States each year. No permanent side effects have been recognized, and temporary complications – such as bruising, numbness, and headaches – are rare and most often minor. In around 1% of patients, muscles may over-relax in areas where treatment wasn’t intended. Thankfully, this side effect is also temporary and will resolve itself given time.

How long does BOTOX® last?

Visible results from BOTOX® tend to last up to four months after treatment, although some patients have seen results last up to six months. After this point, you may desire a follow-up treatment. Repeat BOTOX® treatments usually last progressively longer than previous injections, since your muscles are already partially “trained” to remain in a relaxed state. After a second treatment, some patients experience results that last for an entire year.

Am I a candidate for BOTOX® injections?

In order to qualify for BOTOX® Cosmetic, you must be between the ages of 18 and 75. If you are pregnant, you should not be treated. Also, if you have certain neurological disorders – such as myasthenia gravis, ALS, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome – you might be at an increased risk of complications. Dr. Broadway can help you determine if you are a good candidate for BOTOX® based on your medical history.

If you live in the Denver, Colorado area and have further questions about BOTOX®, please contact our triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Broadway today to schedule a personal consultation.