Overview
What is Botox®?
Botox, Dysport® and Xeomin® are a family of botulinum toxins (purified proteins) that are FDA approved for the temporary treatment of frown lines (“elevens”) and laugh lines (“crow’s feet”). Botox and the other botulinum toxins are used “off label” to elevate the eyebrows (a chemical brow lift) and for treatment of lip lines and muscle laxity in the neck (these procedures aren’t FDA approved).
This simple procedure is performed using a very small needle to inject small amounts of Botox in the areas of concern. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses — temporarily weakening muscles that cause wrinkles — and gives the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Botulinum toxin has been found to have a surprising number of uses in addition to reducing wrinkles, including relieving migraines and headaches, reducing excessive sweating, and reducing involuntary muscle spasms around your eyelids.
Why choose us?
Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center can help you explore options to rejuvenate or refine your appearance (and your self-confidence). To get the best results from any cosmetic procedure, you need the highest quality team. You can rely on our experts, who are nationally ranked for their expertise and care.
Learn more about Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center.
How to Prepare
Am I a candidate for a Botox procedure?
Young to middle-aged men and women between the ages of 18 and 70 who would like to temporarily improve the appearance of frown lines, crow’s feet or forehead lines may be good candidates for Botox treatment. A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon from Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center will help determine if Botox is a right form of treatment.
Patients whose wrinkles are present and deep at rest may benefit with a filler injection (in addition to Botox) to get the best and longest-lasting result. The most common fillers used are the hyaluronic acids.
How do I prepare for a Botox procedure?
To prepare for a Botox treatment at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center, your physician will answer any questions you have and ask you about your expectations and desired outcome. They’ll discuss your options, likely outcomes, and any risks or potential complications before recommending a course of treatment.
In addition, your physician may evaluate your general health status and any preexisting health conditions or risk factors. This process includes review of medical conditions, treatments and drug allergies, along with any use of medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. If applicable, they’ll also discuss any past treatment with injectable fillers, facial shaping, Botox therapy or other facial rejuvenation procedures.
In addition to examining your face and discussing the benefits and risks of injection, your cosmetic surgeon may:
- Discuss other options for correction of facial aging.
- Take photographs for your medical record.
- Discuss options for facial rejuvenation.
- Examine and measure your face.
- Take photographs for your medical record.
What to Expect
How is a Botox procedure performed?
Botox is injected into the skin near the muscle that causes dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear temporarily when a muscle contracts, such as smiling or frowning). A very small needle is used to minimize discomfort, causing the injection to feel like a small prick with a little stinging. The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes. Since the procedure is nonsurgical, you won’t need recovery time, and you can return to work or other activities immediately. Typically, the effect from Botox injections lasts around three to four months.
Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center specialists offer Botox injections to treat:
Face:
- Frown lines.
- Crow’s feet.
- Forehead creases.
- Brow shaping or brow elevation (Botox injections can be used to alter the shape of your eyebrows to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance).
- Correction of eyebrow asymmetry (to elevate your lower eyebrow to the same level as your higher eyebrow).
- Elevation of the corners of your mouth.
- Upper/lower lip creases.
- Lip lengthening to correct gummy smile.
- Chin softening (peach pit chin and excessive cleft).
- To improve the appearance of new and old facial scars.
Neck:
- Horizontal “necklace” creases.
- Vertical neckbands (turkey neck).
Chest:
- Wrinkling of the central mid-chest (décolleté).
*Botox is FDA approved for the treatment of fine lines of the forehead (“elevens”) and laugh lines only. Other procedures are off-label uses of Botox.
Are there different types of Botox treatments?
Botox Cosmetic® (Allergan), Botox (Allergan) and Dysport (Ipsen) are both derived from botulinum toxin type A. Myobloc® (Solstice Neurosciences) is derived from botulinum type B. The Botox product is the only one of its type with over 10 years of success in treating patients with a variety of conditions. Botox Cosmetic has a dosing specific for the treatment of frown lines.
Is Botox safe?
According to both the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Botox is extremely safe. More than 1 million people have received Botox injections. Year after year, Botox ranks No. 1 among nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for both men and women.
Complications from Botox are rare. The most common side effects include:
- Headache.
- Bruising and numbness at the injection site.
- Temporary eyelid droop (ptosis).
- Eyebrow droop (eyebrow ptosis).
- Eyebrow asymmetry.
- Nausea.
Dysport injections have been used safely and effectively for over 15 years to treat many ophthalmologic and neurologic disorders.
The most common side effects of Dysport include:
- Temporary soreness or mild bruising around the injection site.
- Slight headache that lasts for several hours after treatment.
- Temporary eyelid droop (ptosis).
- Eyebrow droop (eyebrow ptosis).
- Eyebrow asymmetry.
Results
What results can I expect?
Botox injections offer dramatic results that are fully apparent within five to seven days. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed rated the improvement in their brow lines as moderate to better. For many, Botox virtually “erases” these lines.
Results may vary for each person, depending on the severity of wrinkles and the strength of the muscles treated. Your Botox treatment’s results typically last from three to four months, with most people gradually returning to their former state. Your cosmetic surgeon will recommend that you get Botox injections every three to four months. With repeated treatments, some patients may notice that the effect of the Botox is longer-lasting.
What is involved in recovery?
Unlike surgery, Botox injections are fast, simple and minimally invasive, with no downtime or recovery. Botox procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center, so you’ll go home the same day. Botox is given during a routine office appointment, and most people return directly to work or normal activities after treatment.
Insurance & Financing
Insurance rarely covers the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures. Please call 216.444.4004 and ask to speak with one of our financial representatives who can explain payment options, including CareCredit financing.
