Non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures are becoming increasingly popular among facial cosmetic patients in San Francisco. This is not surprising – the chance to reverse some signs of aging with a short procedure, involving almost no down time and a very easy recovery, is very appealing. Botox Cosmetic fit this description, and in fact are probably the most popular procedure performed at the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Our Clinic. Below, you will find a complete introduction to Botox Cosmetic ‘s effects and potential to greatly improve you appearance.
How Botox Cosmetic Works
Botox Cosmetic is a brand of injectible medication derived from the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a rare bacterial contaminant of food. Like this toxin, Botox Cosmetic can paralyze voluntary muscles by blocking the release of substances from nerves that tell the muscles to move. When injected into specific muscles, the wrinkles produced by those muscles are reduced or eliminated. The effects of Botox Cosmetic develop over two to three days, and last approximately three to five months.
Botox Cosmetic is extremely safe, because it is used in very small quantities. Even with an extensive facial treatment, the amount of Botox Cosmetic required is a very small fraction of a “dangerous” dose. To ensure safety, it is very important to use pure Botox Cosmetic that has been produced and distributed by its U.S. manufacturer, Allergan.
Suitable Patients for Botox Cosmetic
Patients with prominent wrinkles and creases of the forehead, lateral eyelids (“crow’s feet”), upper nose (“bunny lines”), and lips are good candidates for Botox Cosmetic . Also, patients with deep creases between the eyebrows can often benefit from Botox Cosmetic . Eyebrows can be raised slightly with Botox Cosmetic , so patients with low brows who do not want a brow lift can use Botox Cosmetic . Less commonly, patients with large cheeks from profound chewing muscles can use Botox Cosmetic . Ideal patients should also be using no blood thinning medications around the time of the injection, to reduce the chance of bruising.
The Injection Process
Botox Cosmetic at the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic are performed by our nurse aesthetician, Roseann Gallagher. After a thorough discussion of your goals, and a complete exam of your facial features, you will be give an ice pack to hold against the areas to be injected. Rubbing alcohol will then clean these areas, and the proper amount of Botox Cosmetic will be injected into carefully selected muscles using the thinnest possible needle. Further application of ice will reduce any minimal soreness from the injections.
Anesthesia
Since the needle used is so small, there is no risk of severe pain from the injections. Therefore, no anesthetic is needed, and patients find the process to be easily tolerated.
Botox Cosmetic Recovery
It is wise to avoid exertion for six hours after Botox Cosmetic. Other than this, there are no specific instructions or precautions.
