Overview
What is Botox®?
The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, known as Botox®, is a purified protein injectable filler that is FDA-approved for the temporary treatment of frown lines. This simple, non-surgical injection is also commonly used to temporarily reduce or eliminate forehead creases, crow’s feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck.
The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Studies have suggested that botulinum toxin can also be effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.
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 or those 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 right for you.
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. He or she will 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 pre-existing health conditions or risk factors. This includes review of medical conditions and treatments, drug allergies, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
If applicable, he or she will discuss any past treatment with injectable fillers, facial shaping, Botox® therapy, or other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Your cosmetic surgeon may also:
- 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 directly into 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 non-surgical, no recovery time is needed, and patients can return to work or other activities immediately. Typically, Botox® injections need to be repeated every 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 (Botox injections can be used to alter the shape of the eyebrows to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance).
- Brow elevation (lift).
- Correction of eyebrow asymmetry (to elevate the lower eyebrow to the same level as the higher eyebrow).
- Elevation of the corners of the mouth.
- Upper/lower lip creases.
- Marionette lines, “drool grooves.”
- 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).
Are there different types of Botox treatments?
Yes. 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?
Yes. Very. According to both the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and its sister organization, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Botox® is extremely safe. More than one million people have received Botox® injections. Year after year, Botox ranks number one among nonsurgical cosmetic procedures among 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”).
- 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").
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 percent of the 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 muscles treated. Your Botox® treatment’s results typically last from three to six months, with most people gradually returning to their former state. Normally, your cosmetic surgeon will recommend that Botox® Injections be repeated 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, and most people return directly to work or normal activities following 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.
