The Wonders Of BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most commonly used cosmetic treatments performed in the world - and the reason is because it works amazingly well. Dr. Guida finds that BOTOX® Cosmetic can make cosmetic improvements on the face that plastic surgery, lasers, or chemical peels, could never achieve. The deep, horizontal "worry" lines of the forehead, the vertical grooves between the eyebrows when one frowns, and severe "crow's feet" around the corners of the eyes can be softened dramatically, and in some cases, totally eliminated by BOTOX® Cosmetic. And it is safe, predictable, and has stood the test of time. Yes, it is also temporary, lasting anywhere from 3-6 months, but the more one uses it, the weaker the muscles get, and less is needed over time.

In terms of the history BOTOX® Cosmetic, it was developed for medical use and then approved by the FDA for the treatment of uncontrollable eyelid spasms in 1992. Since this time, BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used successfully to treat excess sweating, migraine headaches and muscle spasms and constrictions. It was then inadvertently noticed to have excellent applications in cosmetic facial rejuvenation by making facial lines disappear. Since then, Dr. Guida and doctors around the world have been using BOTOX® Cosmetic for these purposes.

Best Candidates For BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is most popular and successful in treating horizontal lines in the forehead, the horizontal "laugh lines" around the corners of the eyes commonly called "crow's feet", and the deep vertical lines between the eyebrow. It can also be used for treatment to the vertical muscle bands or cords of the neck and the tiny vertical lines around the mouth. These lines are referred to as "dynamic wrinkles", as they require a muscle contraction to appear. This is opposed to "static wrinkles", which are lines on the face that appear at rest.

Advantages Of BOTOX® Cosmetic
These deep lines of the forehead, between the eyes, and the crow's feet, cause the face to look tired, angry, mean, or worried. BOTOX® Cosmetic softens, and often eliminates, these deep lines. One treatment of BOTOX® Cosmetic can soften the appearance, giving a more youthful, relaxed, and refreshed look - with no downtime and no surgery.

The treatment takes 15 minutes or so and a patient can return to work or social functions comfortably after the treatment. BOTOX® Cosmetic is extremely safe and effective.

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How is BOTOX ® Cosmetic administered?
No local anesthetic is needed because the pain associated with the procedure is minimal. Occasionally, Dr. Guida will suggest a topical numbing cream which will anesthetize the skin of the treated area. A small amount of discomfort is felt when the needle is inserted and the BOTOX® Cosmetic is placed. This sensation lasts approximately 5 seconds. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into various locations on the face. The needle is extremely small and only a tiny amount of liquid is injected at one time. Dr. Guida use ice packs on the eye and face to provide anesthesia and decrease the chance of bruising.

What can I expect after the BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Because no sedatives or anesthetics are used, patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. Dr. Guida will recommend that you not lie down for three to four hours following treatment. The treatment takes 2 to 8 days to take effect and the maximum effects are noted 2 weeks after treatment. The benefits will last from 3-6 months. A touchup may be necessary 1-2 weeks after the initial treatment. It usually takes 2 or 3 injections each year to maintain the smooth youthful appearance.

Dr. Guida appreciates and encourages patients' feedback after their BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. This helps him understand your individualized and unique response and allows him to customize your future treatments, allowing for the best result possible. Anatomy varies among patients, as do responses to medication. A customized approach to BOTOX® Cosmetic yields far superior results.

Are there any disadvantages or long term side effects to BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used safely and effectively for many years and found to have no long term side effects. Dr. Guida feels strongly that it is extremely safe and that it works better than surgery for many conditions. Like any cosmetic procedure there are some risks. Though extremely uncommon, if too much Botox is injected into an area, mild asymmetry or a droopy eyelid may occur. This is temporary and fades over a period of several weeks to months. A physician with experience with facial anatomy and long term use of BOTOX ® Cosmetic is needed to avoid such potential problems.

What results can I expect after my BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment will smooth out the lines and wrinkles that are caused by frown and worry lines, "crow's feet" and laugh lines. It treats the "dynamic wrinkles" of the face, those caused by muscle contractions. It will not remove "static lines" or those lines that appear at rest. Cosmetic fillers, such as Restylane or Juvaderm work well for static lines. Also BOTOX® Cosmetic cannot tighten skin and cannot mimic results of the standard facelift or other facial surgical procedures.

Can BOTOX® Cosmetic be used at the same time as cosmetic fillers?
Yes, BOTOX® Cosmetic is often used simultaneously with cosmetic filler, such as Restylane and Juvaderm, to eliminate lines in the face. Botox treats different types of wrinkles than do cosmetic fillers. BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the underlying muscles causing the lines; these lines are called "dynamic wrinkles". Cosmetic fillers remove or soften lines that are present at rest, when the muscles are not contracting. These lines are called "static wrinkles". It is also used in conjunction with other cosmetic surgical procedures to obtain a more youthful and refreshed look.

How do I set up an appointment and begin a treatment ?
Dr. Guida would be happy to meet with you personally to discuss the details of how BOTOX® Cosmetic can help with achieve your cosmetic goals. Please feel free to call the office at 212-871-0900 or schedule an appointment on line. We are here to help you.