Dermatologic & Cosmetic Surgery

Dermatologic Treatments

Botox

Botox is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although Botox is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. This is because for the treatment described, it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body.

A few drops of Botox are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When Botox is injected into muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area, and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles in the skin gradually soften and often disappear.

INDICATIONS
Frown lines, crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, lines made from expressions.

BENEFITS
Decreases wrinkles

DOES THE INJECTION HURT?
When Botox is injected there is an initial minor sting for a few seconds. We use the smallest needle available. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.

WHERE CAN IT BE INJECTED?
The most common areas for the use of Botox are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and the crow's feet. On occasion, some other areas may be treated as well.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. (An eyelid can become droopy if it uptakes the toxin, but not very likely to happen).

HOW LONG DOES A BOTOX TREATMENT LAST?
The effects of Botox usually last three to five months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects of Botox may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months.

HOW SAFE IS BOTOX?
Botox has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 10 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over 6 years. In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, the only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. It is now FDA approved for use in wrinkles.

CAN IT EFFECT OTHER FACIAL EXPRESSIONS OR CREATE NUMBNESS?
Botox doesn't affect the nerve, so there is no numbness in the area of the injection. Also, the effect of the Botox is only in the immediate area of the injection. Therefore, the muscles related to other expressions are unaffected.

PHYSICIANS EXPERIENCE
We have been doing Botox here for years. We have many Botox patients who are very happy with their treatments.

PRE & POST OPERATIVE PHOTOS

To make an appointment with a Cooper University Hospital physician at an office near you, call 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.