BOTOX® Cosmetic

There are many methods to handle facial wrinkles, and folds, often with a combination of Botox® Cosmetic and facial fillers. Botox® Cosmetic is particularly valuable especially in for the forehead and around the eyes. Dr. Cutchen and the staff at Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute will meet with you to determine the most effective method to achieve your desired goal.

What is Botox®?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein derived from the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum. Using a tiny micro-very fine needle, a very small amount of BOTOX® is injected, very precisely , into several locations of the face, typically the vertical lines between your eyebrows, forehead lines, and lines at the corners of your eyes (crow’s feet). BOTOX® injections have been used safely and effectively for over ten years to treat many ophthalmologic and neurological disorders. In 2004, over 2 million people were injected with BOTOX®. We purchase our BOTOX® Cosmetic directly from Allergan, the only FDA approved source in the U.S.

How long does the procedure take?
Following the consultation, the actual procedure takes less than 15 minutes. Since there is no downtime – you can do it at lunchtime – and no one would know you had it done!

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into a targeted facial expression muscle, blocking impulses from the nerve to the muscle, thereby relaxing the muscle so it does not contract. This causes the overlying skin to become smoother, with fewer lines and wrinkles. It may also be used to create a gentle but definite elevation of the eyebrows, giving you a brighter look. The untreated facial muscles continue to contract in a normal fashion, allowing the normal facial expression and feeling to be unaffected.

How quickly will I see results?
BOTOX® Cosmetic usually starts relaxing the treated area within several days, but the full effect may not be realized for two weeks.

How long will BOTOX® last?
The effects last between 3-4 months on average but everyone is different. We advise encourage our patients to have the first 3 treatments precisely at 12 weeks and the next two treatments at 16 weeks. Typically patients who follow this treatment schedule begin to need less Botox and they increase the time between treatments.