Botox Injections in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

No matter how well skin is preserved and pampered, everyone eventually develops facial wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to remove the lines that accompany aging. Botox is perhaps the easiest of all these options. Botox is an extremely quick approach to softening or removing the natural wrinkles between the eyes (frown lines), on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (crow's feet), or at the base of the nose (glabellar frown lines).

Botox is a purified protein toxin that is derived from a specific form of bacteria. It was originally utilized as a remedy for neck and facial spasms, but in the last decade Botox has been used effectively to remove facial wrinkles.

Each day, the muscles between the eyes (frown lines) and on the outside of the eyes (crow's feet) contract many times. Over time, these muscle contractions create "creases" or wrinkles in the skin. To remove these wrinkles, Botox is injected through a very small needle into the muscles that cause these contractions. Botox essentially impedes the nerve impulse from reaching these muscles. Gradually, the muscles relax and the facial wrinkles soften or disappear. Patients may experience a slight discomfort when the needle is inserted and the Botox injected, but this only lasts approximately five to seven seconds. The entire Botox treatment is performed in the physician's office and lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

In the majority of cases, Botox Pittsburgh patients return to their normal routines the same day after Botox treatment. The muscles relax within a few days of the Botox injection, causing wrinkles to either lessen or to disappear completely. The muscles remain in a relaxed state for three to five months. Further Botox treatment is necessary to erase returning wrinkles. After several Botox treatments, the length of time that Botox is effective can increase, sometimes lasting up to eight months.

Botox has been used to diminish facial wrinkles for a number of years and exhibits very few side effects. Although Botox causes a temporary paralysis of the muscle, it does not affect the nerve, so numbness does not occur. Immediately after the treatment, Botox can spread slightly and possibly lead to a temporary drooping of surrounding muscles. Because of this, patients should avoid rubbing the treated area for 10-15 hours following surgery. If drooping does occur, the surrounding muscles typically return to normal within a couple of weeks. In very rare instances, a blood vessel may burst, causing a temporary black and blue area. Patients who are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a neurological disease should refrain from having Botox treatments performed.

For more information on the cosmetic surgery risks, postoperative instruction or healing information for Botox treatments in Pittsburgh, PA, contact surgeon Lori Cherup at her main office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Lori Cherup also provides sophisticated treatments for eyelid surgery, nose surgery and facelift Pittsburgh patients.