In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and woman surveyed rated the improvement in the appearance of frown lines between their brows as moderate to better one month after Botox®, though individual results may vary.
Results can last up to 4 months.
Botox® has been used to treat a million people in the United States since it was approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines. In the UK, the only product that has a ‘licence’ to treat frown lines (glabellar) is Vistabel (exactly the same product as Botox® but licenced under another name) other areas can be treated off ‘licence’ and this has been done safely for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Botox Work?
Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. Botox® is injected directly into the muscles between your brows. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscle that cause those persistent lines to form and give your skin a chance to recover, rejuvenate and smooth out.
Is It Painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting Botox® a cool pack is applied to the skin to help numb the area. The whole procedure will take approximately 10 minutes. Many people return to work or continue with normal activities immediately after treatment.
What Are The Side Effects?
The side effects are minimal and are all temporary. The injections may sting slightly. Other side effects are minimal redness and swelling at the injection sites that usually disappear after an hour or so. There is also a minimal risk of bruising at the injection sites. You may experience transient headaches and numbness at the treatment sites.
There is a very small risk of eyelid drooping (ptosis) and slight puffiness following treatment. In the unlikely event that this occurs, it is always temporary and usually settles after 2-3 weeks. The incidence of this occurring is about 2%.
After several treatments, very rarely some patients become resistant to the drug and it no longer works effectively.
Who Cannot Have Botox®?
It is not recommended in anyone who is pregnant or breast feeding. People who suffer from any neuromuscular disorder or, those who have severe allergies.
