What is Botox Cosmetic

What is Botox Cosmetic? That's a common question that our patients ask us here at Reforma Dermatology. While this is a common procedure, it's often misunderstood or not understood at all by many people who seek Botox treatment. Everyone knows that it reduces wrinkles, but that's where knowledge of the procedure stops for most people.

At Reforma, we've been providing facial rejuvenation in Staten Island and Brooklyn for years, and the cornerstone of these services is knowledge. Knowledge helps our clients understand what our treatments do, how they can help them, and what to expect from treatment. So today, we're discussing what Botox is, how it works, and what you can expect from your treatment.

What is Botox Cosmetic?

Botox Cosmetic is an injectable treatment derived from botulinum neurotoxin, a toxin that causes a type of food poisoning called botulism. However, Botox Cosmetic is a purified form of the toxin that is FDA-approved for various treatments and when used for medical purposes by a professional is not harmful. This treatment is used to treat facial wrinkles, neck spasms, sweating, overactive bladder, lazy eye, migraines, and other conditions by temporarily paralyzing the muscle of the injected area.

Is Botox safe?

While the word "neurotoxin" might make Botox sound scary, the reality is that it's an incredibly safe procedure. The purified form of the toxin is FDA-approved for human use in several ways ranging from wrinkle reduction to treatment of overactive bladder and chronic migraines. In fact, it's the only approved injection of its kind. When used correctly by a medical professional, Botox is nothing to fear.

What does Botox Cosmetic do?

The purified form of botulinum used in Botox Cosmetic temporarily paralyzes muscles in the treatment area by blocking certain chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. This helps relax the facial muscles that cause frown lines and other facial wrinkles. However, relaxing muscles can also be used to treat other conditions such as:

• Neck spasms called cervical dystonia that cause uncontrolled muscle contractions.
• Muscle spasms associated with cerebral palsy and other nervous system conditions that cause limb contractions.
• Lazy eye, a disorder associated with an imbalance in the eye muscles.
• Excess sweat production.
• Chronic migraine occurring 15 or more days a month.
• Overactive bladder.

What should I expect from Botox Cosmetic?

If you're considering Botox in Staten Island or Brooklyn, we want you to know what you can expect from the treatment. It's highly effective, and most people notice results in three to four days. Full results are usually visible within 10 to 14 days. Expect to see a reduction in wrinkles in the treated areas. The level of wrinkle reduction is dependent upon how severe the wrinkles were to start, of course, but there will be visible improvement. You can expect the effects of the treatment to last for about three to four months, and for ongoing wrinkle reduction, you'll need regular treatments scheduled about that same amount of time apart.

Some key things to know about Botox Cosmetic are:

• It's an outpatient procedure, and you'll be able to go home the same day.
• Injections may sting or feel uncomfortable, but the procedure is over in just minutes, and discomfort is usually mild.
• Results can be seen in as few as three to four days with full results appearing in about 10 to 14 days.
• Results are temporary and injections need to be repeated every three to four months.

Considering Botox Cosmetic? We can help.

Reforma Dermatology has been providing a variety of skin rejuvenation services including Botox in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the surrounding areas, and we'd love to help you, too. If you've been considering Botox Cosmetic, schedule a consultation with us. Let's talk about how we can help you achieve a younger appearance today.