Botox®

Palm Harbor and Clearwater

What Is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is a therapeutic agent derived from bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum; Also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A. It is produced under controlled laboratory conditions. Originally used for the treatment of blepharospasm (eye spasm) and strabismus (misalignment of the eye), the FDA approved BOTOX® as a cosmetic wrinkle remedy in 2002.

What Is BOTOX® Used For?

Other than for its originally intended purpose, this product has also been found to have cosmetic applications. This injectable is now used to improve the look of superficial wrinkles and fine lines that are caused by everyday facial expressions like frowning, squinting, and smiling. BOTOX® helps reduce wrinkles by preventing this movement from happening. This injectable helps Palm Harbor and Clearwater patients whose early signs of aging are becoming apparent and whose facial expressions are causing premature wrinkles to appear. By prohibiting facial gestures that cause wrinkles from happening, BOTOX prevents or smooths wrinkles. However, BOTOX® may not remove a static wrinkle completely; It may only lessen them a bit. This injectable only disallows you from squinting a certain part around your eye or from furrowing your brow. Therefore, if your wrinkles are superficial, it can smooth them considerably so that it appears that they have been removed.

BOTOX® is injected into the underlying muscles of the affected area in very small doses. Once injected, it blocks the impulses from the nerves to those tiny facial muscles, causing them to relax. Untreated facial muscles continue to react normally, allowing natural facial expressions.

What To Expect At Your BOTOX® Appointment?

The doctor will ask you to contract the muscles in the area being treated so he can determine the proper location for injection. Dr. Moraitis uses a micro-needle to inject BOTOX® into your facial muscles in areas where your individual needs require. One to five injections are usually given per muscle. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete an average amount of injections during your visit. Most Palm Harbor and Clearwater patients report very little discomfort or pain associated with BOTOX® injections due to the tiny size of the needle, but you will feel at least some discomfort due to the injections. You will typically see your results from BOTOX® within a few hours to three days. You will be given post-procedure instructions for care. The amount of muscle movement to the sites treated must be restricted while it “settles in.”

Following Your BOTOX® Treatment

You will see the maximum benefit in one to two weeks. The effects will last approximately three months after your treatment. As the effects of BOTOX wear off, you will notice a very gradual fading of its effects. At this point, you will want to return for your next treatment.

What Are The Benefits Of BOTOX® Treatment?

There is no downtime, and patients can immediately resume normal activities. It has proven to be a safe, effective treatment for dynamic wrinkles. No systemic complications are associated with BOTOX®. The treatment is reversible within several months. It may also be beneficial for the treatment of migraine headaches.

Get Your Botox Consultation in the Palm Harbor and Clearwater Area

Discuss your options for Botox wrinkle treatment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Moraitis. Together you can decide if it is right for you.

For more information or to schedule a cosmetic consultation at our Palm Harbor office, please contact us by completing our contact form.

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