If you’re concerned that wrinkles and fine lines are making you look older than you feel, a board-certified dermatologist can tell you whether a cosmetic treatment can give you the results you expect. Treatment options include botulinum toxin and fillers.
Botulinum toxin (Botox)
Overview
Brand names: Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, MYOBLOC®, and XEOMIN® When you look in the mirror, do you see deep frown lines? These lines bother many people.
To diminish these lines, many choose botulinum toxin therapy. Patients like that they can return to most everyday activities immediately after the procedure. They like that most people see results within 3 to 7 days.
A dermatologist can perform the treatment during a single office visit. The improvements last about 3 to 4 months — and sometimes longer.
Uses:
Dermatologists use botulinum toxin therapy to diminish signs of aging and to treat a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botulinum toxin therapy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following dermatologic conditions:
- Frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Crow’s feet.
- Excessive sweating in the underarms when treatment applied to the skin does not work well enough.
Preparation
Questions to ask before the procedure
Before performing a cosmetic treatment, a dermatologist offers a consultation. During the consultation, you should ask questions. Asking questions will help you know what to expect so that you can make an informed decision.
