The frown lines that appear between your eyebrows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. Years of squinting and frowning tend to produce deep wrinkles in the skin between the brows and on the bridge of the nose, across the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes. Frown lines can produce an angry or sad look detracting from a pleasant facial appearance.

BOTOX® Cosmetic (Allergan Inc.) works by relaxing the muscles that are responsible for these wrinkles. A few tiny injections of this purified protein precisely placed into specific facial muscles causes a blockade of nerve impulses. The result is a local relaxation of the muscles which are the underlying cause of the unwanted lines. The actual treatment is well tolerated and takes just a few minutes with no prolonged recovery period. Discomfort is minimal and brief with most patients comparing the sensation to a bug bite.

What can BOTOX® Cosmetic do?

Dynamic wrinkles and lines of facial expression can make you look older than you are. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments can smooth out these areas giving you a more youthful and pleasant appearance. The untreated facial muscles however, will still continue to contract in their usual fashion. Normal facial expression is thus unaffected, preserving a natural look. You will still be able to frown and smile, but the expression lines around your eyes and forehead will be diminished when you do.

Results are apparent usually 4-7 days after treatment and last an average of up to 4 months, at which time follow-up treatment is appropriate. After repeated injections the results may be even longer lasting.

Side effects are minimal and typically relate to the local injection. Soreness or mild bruising, while uncommon, may occur around the injection site. A temporary headache sometimes occurs after injections in the forehead area, especially after the first treatment. Very rarely, patients may develop temporary weakness of neighboring muscles such as a temporary droopy brow or eyelid, both of which will resolve spontaneously.

Make-up may be worn directly after treatment but care should be taken to avoid pressing or massaging the area for several hours. Immediately following the treatment you should also remain upright for at least four hours. During this time you should exercise the muscles treated by frowning and smiling to optimize your results.

BOTOX® Cosmetic was the single most common cosmetic procedure performed in 2003. More than a million people have been treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

What are the advantages of having BOTOX® Cosmetic at Arboretum Dermatology?

Dr. Van Gurp will perform an initial evaluation to determine the exact locations for injection and the proper amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic required for correction depending on your individual facial anatomy. Dr. Van Gurp will then utilize a tiny micro-needle for precise injection and minimal discomfort. Our goal is to produce a natural look that will give you a more wide-eyed, rested, youthful appearance.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Dr. Van Gurp and his staff will be happy to discuss the best treatment plan for you. Simply schedule a consultation on this website.