Botox® treatments

Botox® cosmetic or Botulinum A exotoxin is used to smooth out deep persistent lines in the face that develop over time. Dr. Alan Scott deserves great credit for his clinical use of Botox®. He treated an individual for cosmetic reasons in the mid-1980's. A treatment with few injections relaxes the muscles that cause those lines to form and keeps them relaxed for up to 4-6 months. It has been widely tested and is now FDA approved. The results are apparent within days. It is a fast, simple, and minimally invasive with no downtime or recovery. Most people return directly to work or normal activity following the treatment. Within days they report looking more natural and relaxed.

To begin treatments with Botox® Cosmetic call our office at (559) 440-9025 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lopez today.

Areas that can be treated:

Glabellar area
These wrinkles or creases occur between the eyes and are a result of the combination of three factors. Aging, gravity (vertical and sleep lines), and muscular action (lines of facial expression). Within days you'll see a marked improvement, which may continue to improve for as long as a week and should last up to four months. The brow lines are greatly relaxed or gone and the eyes seem to open up.

Horizontal forehead lines
These are usually done in combination with the glabellar area so the eyebrows don't droop. This area will soften or eliminate the forehead wrinkles and elevate the eyebrows.

Crows feet
Treatment in this area weakens the orbicularis oculi muscle so the lines are greatly relaxed.

Bunny nose
Treatment in the side of the nose relaxes the nasal muscles so the wrinkles on the side of the nose are not obvious during animated speech.

Perioral lines
The lines that form around the mouth can be treated with Botox®. Very small doses are used since the mouth is very sensitive to Botox®. Treatment will relax the lines and prevent lipstick from bleeding.

Down turned mouth
The depressor anguli oris turns down the corner of the mouth, producing a sad appearance. This is often treated with fillers but Botox can weaken the muscle to allow the corner of mouth to turn up. One must be cautious to prevent a flaccid cheek, an incompetent mouth, or an asymmetric smile.

Mentalis
Some individuals use the mentalis as a muscle of facial expression. The chin appears wrinkled and unattractive. Treatment will produce significant improvement in this appearance. This will lead to a smooth- looking chin.

Neck
Botox® can be used to treat the horizontal lines that occur in the neck. Good results are possible if there is not too much skin redundancy. Platymus banding can also be relaxed with Botox cosmetic treatments. Caution is required when treating this area.

Side effects from Botox®

Occasionally botox can cause brow ptosis or downward drift of the eyebrow. This can cause temporary weakness or heaviness of the eyelid. Eye drops can help with this problem. Weakness of the mouth and sensory changes can occur but are rare when caution is used in these areas. Bruising or a headache for 1 or 2 days can also occur after injections.