The Ophthalmic Center - Botox©

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Botox®

The Art Of Facial Aesthetics

We are pleased to be able to extend to our patients the art and science of facial aesthetics, tailored to fit your personal requirements and your individual expectations. A face is constantly changing and its beauty is best maintained by periodic evaluations and if desired, treatment. Because of this, aesthetic procedures at our center are flexible and patient specific. We look forward to assisting you in enhancing your quality of life.

Botox® Cosmetic - What is it?

Repeating the same expressions over time creates "expression lines" or "dynamic wrinkles". These wrinkles add years to your appearance and often make you look tired, angry, or worried, when you are not. Botox® Cosmetic is a highly purified form of a natural protein that has the capability of relaxing the muscles that cause these wrinkles. Botox® Cosmetic is injected into the muscles using an ultra-fine needle. The areas that are typically treated with Botox® Cosmetic include the "frown lines" between your eyebrows, "crow's feet" around your eye area, and your forehead lines. The procedure is known as cosmetic denervation, and the result of this simple treatment is a dramatic softening of your dynamic wrinkles and expression lines, restoring a more rested, confident, and youthful appearance. The benefits of Botox® Cosmetic come from its ability to selectively and precisely relax the underlying muscles, allowing the skin covering these muscles to gradually become smoother and wrinkle free.

What does it do?

When Botox® Cosmetic is injected into the targeted muscles the result is a weakening of the targeted muscle and a smoothing effect of the skin covering it. This effect begins gradually, within 3-5 days after treatment and is not complete for about 2 weeks. Optimal results may not be seen for 2 weeks and sometimes longer. The effects of Botox® Cosmetic typically begin to wear off in approximately 3-4 months. If you liked the effect of your Botox® Cosmetic treatment, you will want to return before your treatment with Botox® Cosmetic has worn off completely. When you have a second treatment before you have noticed that the results of the first have worn off, the treatment may last longer (about 4-5 months). When you do the same with your third treatment, it may last as long as 5-6 months. After a couple of years, it is not unusual for people to go for 6-12 months between their Botox® Cosmetic treatments.

Not all facial wrinkles are the result of the activity of the underlying muscles. "Static wrinkles" are the result of too much sun exposure, the natural aging process, and of smoking. Static wrinkles may be greatly improved by using Botox® Cosmetic in combination with filling agents such as Restylane™ and Perlane™. Please keep in mind that Botox® Cosmetic will not improve wrinkles due solely to aging or to sun-damaged skin, nor will it improve any sagging of the skin. These conditions are not muscle related.

Common Uses for Botox® Cosmetic include:

• Safe and effective use for over 15 years, and in all age groups, for the medical treatment of overactive muscles including ophthalmic use for blepharospasm.

• Recent studies suggest Botox® Cosmetic may be effective in the treatment of migraine and tension headaches.

What are Botox® Cosmetic treatments like?

• Using a tiny micro-needle, a small amount of Botox® Cosmetic is precisely injected into several facial locations. Most patients compare the sensation to that of a bug bite. Any sensation that may be experienced lasts for approximately 5 seconds. No sedation or local anesthetic is required.

• You may resume your normal activities immediately following your Botox® Cosmetic treatment.

• The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.

• Vincent P. Basilice, M.D, personally performs all procedures.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Hydration is important so drink plenty of water prior to your treatment.

• Bruising is seldom a major problem, however, it is suggested that you refrain from the use of aspirin, alcohol, and Vitamin E for three days prior to treatment.

• Please do not wear makeup on the day of your procedure so that the treatment areas may be clearly seen. However, you may apply makeup immediately after your treatment if you so desire.

• Please be sure to give us at least 24 hours notice if you need to change your appointment.

Post Treatment Instructions

• It is important for you to avoid rubbing or pressing on the injection site for 2 hours following your procedure to avoid spreading Botox® Cosmetic into non-targeted muscles surrounding the treatment zone.

• In addition, do not lie down for 2-3 hours after your treatment to avoid accidentally moving the Botox® Cosmetic into an unwanted area.

You Should do the Following

To ensure the best possible uptake of Botox® Cosmetic by the treated muscles, you are encouraged to do these simple facial exercises during the first 2 hours after your treatment:

• Frown to exercise the muscles above and between the eyebrows that cause frown lines
• Raise the eyebrows to exercise the muscles that cause forehead wrinkles
• Squint and smile to exercise the muscles that cause crow's feet

Possible Side Effects

Please note that the effects of Botox® Cosmetic are completely reversible, and any side effects will be temporary, lasting a few weeks at most.

• No long-term side effects, health hazards, or allergic reactions have thus far been associated with the use of Botox® Cosmetic

• If your Botox® Cosmetic has moved out of the targeted muscles and into the muscles of the surrounding area the result might be:

1. Less of an effect on the treated muscles

2. Unwanted temporary relaxation of nearby facial muscles that may last a week or two as the toxin may migrate and cause temporary weakness in the surrounding muscles.

3. Bruising is a temporary side effect.

• In rare cases, there may be the drooping of an eyelid or facial asymmetry.

Contraindications:

The following should not be treated with Botox® Cosmetic

• If you are pregnant
• If you are breastfeeding
• If you have certain neurological disorders
• If you are allergic to albumin

Reminder: We are here to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have regarding our facial aesthetic procedures. Please feel free to ask our facial aesthetic coordinators or Dr. Basilice if there is anything you do not understand, or would like additional information regarding. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in your quest for personal fulfillment.