BOTOX® Cosmetic Specialist

Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise, & Peoria, AZ

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a major breakthrough in treating wrinkles with minimal downtime by using an injectable protein.  BOTOX® Cosmetic works by weakening or paralyzing the muscles that shape your facial expressions. Discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds.  BOTOX® Cosmetic is most commonly used for wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyes, and the “crow’s feet” area around the eyes. It also can be used on the lower face and neck. Most patients do not require anesthesia, but a topical cream can be applied in advance of the injections to reduce discomfort. This paralysis is temporary, and re-injection is necessary within three to four months. More definitive long term treatment with surgery may be used to enhance the appearance of the forehead, brow, and other areas treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

The injection of BOTOX® Cosmetic takes about 1 week to reach maximum effect. Once the resting tone of the treated muscles is weakened, the pull of the muscles relaxes and the overlying skin flattens. This approach is different from other local treatments in that it does not plump up the skin or fill in depressions. Restylane®, Perlane®,  Juvederm®, Sculptra®, Artefill ®,  fat injections, and other filler materials all work by filling in wrinkles or depressions. These fillers are frequently not as effective as BOTOX® Cosmetic in treating wrinkles in the upper third of the face. They are often used, however, in complementary fashion to enhance the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic vs. Dermal Fillers.

Major Complications are Rare

There are no recognized permanent side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Complications are rare but may include paralysis of a nearby muscle, resulting in its temporary loss of function (e.g., a drooping eyelid). For this reason, you are requested not to massage the injected areas for 12 hours following the procedure. If the upper eyelid is droopy, then eye drops can be provided that counteract the effect of BOTOX® Cosmetic. In my experience, this is rarely a problem. BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used safely in the treatment of muscular facial spasms for approximately 20 years.  Occasionally, the needle may puncture a small blood vessel during the injection and a black and blue area may develop. Such an area can last 5-10 days and may require make-up to cover.

The FDA regulates what uses may be advertised for all drugs, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, and has approved the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic for various medical treatments since 1989. Strict dosage guidelines are set to ensure your safety. The FDA does not regulate the administration of the product. Having BOTOX® Cosmetic administered by a qualified cosmetic surgeon greatly reduces the risks of any complications.

In addition to BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dr. Angelchik also performs facial plastic surgery procedures in his plastic surgery practice. Visit these pages in the website to learn about how Dr. Angelchik treats facelift, rhinoplasty, laser resurfacing, brow and forehead lift, otoplasty and blepharoplasty patients.