Manhattan Dermatology Specialists
  • MIDTOWN 56 W 45TH ST, STE 819 New York, NY 10036
  • UPPER EAST SIDE 983 PARK AVE, STE 1D1 New York, NY 10028
  • UNION SQUARE 55 W. 17TH ST STE 103 New York, NY 10011

Botox Cosmetic

botox cosmetic injectableBotox Cosmetic is an injectable product used to significantly reduce visible wrinkles on your face. Botox Cosmetic is most commonly used on crow’s feet on the sides of your eyes and the frown wrinkles in between your eyes. It’s a highly purified protein from the botulinum toxin.

This toxin comes from the bacteria that cause botulism, called Clostridium botulinum. Although Botox Cosmetic is derived from a toxic substance, it’s used in very low potency and added to a unique formula that renders it safe and effective. Botox Cosmetic works by relaxing the wrinkle-causing muscles in your face.

Widely Accepted

Botox Cosmetic is a unique formula that has been proven to be effective for its intended use. It’s now approved for use in 78 different countries. More than 400 peer reviews of Botox Cosmetic have been published in medical journals that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the product.

Since it was first sold in the United States in 2002, over 10 million vials of Botox Cosmetic have been purchased for use in cosmetic treatments. It’s now a very common, popular, and successful treatment for facial wrinkles. It’s become popular because it works, it’s affordable, and it’s safe.

How Botox Cosmetic Works

botox cosmetic injectable
The Botox Cosmetic formula is still a toxin, but it’s applied in a very small dosage. It works by inhibiting the interaction of nerves to the muscles in your face. In other words, it prevents the muscles responsible for frowning and squinting from moving entirely, which relaxes your facial features and reduces the visibility of wrinkles. Because the muscles can’t contract, all of the lines on your face are treated with Botox Cosmetic soften. These results are effective almost immediately and will last for up to four months.

Other forms of Botox can be used for medical conditions such as neck spasms, but Botox Cosmetic is specifically designed for the reduction of wrinkles on your face. The results last months, although after your first injection session, you may not see results as strong as you might like. This is because you likely need multiple treatments to build the active formula and keep the toxin active.

Additionally, everyone’s face reacts to the first treatment differently, and so results can vary. Due to the varying nature of treatments, you must find a skilled NY dermatologist, one you trust to make the necessary adjustments to achieve the look you desire.

Botox Cosmetic Procedure

Botox Cosmetic is a simple and straightforward procedure. First, you have a preliminary consultation with your dermatologist in Manhattan. After you decide that Botox Cosmetic is right for you, you’ll schedule a series of appointments. You need to do nothing special to prepare for your Botox injections except to arrive clean and makeup-free.

At your Botox Cosmetic appointment, your dermatologist may first numb the injection site. Through a series of injections, your doctor inserts the Botox Cosmetic formula directly into the muscles being treated. The treatment itself takes between five and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Afterward, you can resume your day normally. Applying ice to the treatment sites reduces swelling and helps minimize the visibility of the treatment. It’s possible your New York City dermatologist recommends that you don’t drive immediately after your procedure if this is the case, you’ll need to arrange for someone to pick you up from your appointment.

Important Health Information

Despite the minor side effects, Botox Cosmetic is a relatively safe treatment. But because a foreign substance is injected directly into the muscles of your face, there can be complications from the procedure. You should not use Botox Cosmetic alongside any other botulinum products such as Dysport.

Also, there are a number of health conditions that may cause your dermatologist in NYC to not recommend the use of Botox Cosmetic, including:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
  • Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Epilepsy or a history of seizures
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Heart disease
  • Bleeding or blood clotting issues
  • Diabetes
  • Upcoming surgeries
  • Pregnant or are trying to become pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

Be sure to tell your dermatologist about any medication or health supplements you take. Don’t start anything new before or after your treatment without first discussing these with your NY skin doctor.

Results and Side Effects

You should see results from your Botox Cosmetic injections within 24 to 48 hours. Your results will continue to improve over the next three to four days. You should notice a significant reduction in the number of wrinkle lines at the injection sites for up to four months. In clinical studies of frown line treatment with Botox Cosmetic, 80 percent of all patients saw an improvement in 30 days.

It’s not common to experience side effects from the injections themselves, but if you do, they’ll be minor such as light pain, discomfort, or soreness at your injection site. Some bruising, redness, and swelling may also occur. Other side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Eye issues or blurring
  • A rash or severe itching at the injection site
  • Swelling of your eyelids

If you think you have an infection on the treatment site, be sure to call your dermatologist immediately. In rare cases, there are side effects and risks with Botox Cosmetic that can be more serious. Contact your dermatologist right away if you experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty talking or swallowing
  • Blurred or double vision
  • An unusually hoarse voice
  • Sudden muscle weakness in other parts of your body
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • A rapid heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Crusting from your eyelids

Keep in mind; these dangerous side effects of Botox Cosmetic are extremely rare. Since Botox Cosmetic injections were approved in 2002, no one has suffered a life-threatening situation from a professional Botox Cosmetic application. There have been far more success stories than complications.

If you’re interested in Botox Cosmetic injections, discuss your concerns and health background with your dermatologist in New York City. Acting as a guide through your treatment choices and procedure, the dermatology doctor ensures that your recovery and results have the best outcome possible.

Important Reminder: This information is only intended to provide guidance, not a definitive medical advice. Please consult dermatologist NYC about your specific condition. Only a trained, experienced board certified dermatology doctor or pediatric dermatologist could determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Updated on Mar 7, 2023 by Dr. Susan Bard (Dermatologist), Manhattan Dermatology Specialists Locations: Manhattan Dermatology (Upper East Side) 983 Park Ave, Ste 1D1, NY 10028
(212) 427-8750
Manhattan Dermatology (Midtown) 56 W 45th St, Ste 819, NY 10036
(212) 889-2402
Manhattan Dermatology (Union Square) 55 W 17th St, Ste 103, NY 10011
(212) 378-9984
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY The information on this website is to provide general information. The information on this website does NOT reflect definitive medical advice and self diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a physician for a consultation and examination regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs you may be having. An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan should only be made by your physician in order to exclude a serious condition.
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