Botox® (botulinim toxin A) was approved by the FDA for the cosmetic treatment of “frown lines” in 2002. Since that time it has become very popular for the treatment of various dynamic wrinkles of the face and neck. However, “Botox” has been used by Central Florida Eye Specialists since 1990, following its approval by the FDA for eyelid spasms. Dr. Kropp, who is fellowship trained in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, has utilized Botox® for both cosmetic and functional purposes since 1990.
With over sixteen years experience injecting Botox®, Dr. Kropp, is one of Central Florida’s most experienced physicians. Dr. Kropp has treated hundreds of patients with Botox®. Dr. Cordero, who joined Central Florida Eye Specialists P.L. in 1991, has also treated numerous patients for functional and cosmetic purposes with Botox®. Between Dr. Kropp and Dr. Cordero, CFES has over thirty years experience using Botox®.
1. How does Botox® work?
Botox® is used to selectively weaken the muscle’s that cause wrinkles. It is most commonly used between the eyebrows, “crow’s-feet” area, and forehead. Botox® is not a filler and does not treat wrinkles that are present at rest (please see our section on fillers—i.e. Restylane®--for more information on fillers).
2. What Areas can be treated with Botox®?
The most commonly treated areas are the “crow’s-feet”, frown lines between the eyebrows, and the forehead. Botox® can also be used by experienced physicians in other areas. After discussing your goals with you, your physician can recommend what is best for you.
3. Who should administer Botox® Cosmetic?
It is important that the physician has experience in both injecting Botox® and cosmetic surgical procedures around the eyes. It is critical to understand facial muscles and how they affect dynamic wrinkles. Many physicians without cosmetic surgical experience mistakenly inject the “wrinkle” instead of the muscles causing the wrinkle, hence getting little or no improvement. Dr. Kropp is fellowship trained in cosmetic oculo-fascial surgery with over twenty years experience in cosmetic procedures.
4. How soon will I see results from Botox® Cosmetic?
Most patients notice improvement in dynamic facial wrinkles in four to six days.
5. How long does Botox® last?
This can vary from patient to patient. In most patients the effects last about 2 ½ to 4 months.
6. I have heard Botox® needs to be injected soon after being re-constituted, if my doctor uses Botox® that has been reconstituted and sat in the refrigerator for two or three days, will it still work?
This is an extremely important question to ask your physician, as numerous physicians reconstitute Botox® and use it over the course of three or four days. Allergan, the company that manufactures Botox®, recommends in the package insert that it be utilized within four hours of being reconstituted. Although if used after that time, you may still see an affect, the duration of the effect may be significantly shorter. Dr. Kropp and Dr. Cordero do not use Botox® on a patient if it has been reconstituted longer than four hours.
7. Are there risks to Botox® Cosmetic?
Like any medication, there are slight risks. It is important to discuss these risks with your physician prior to being treated with Botox®. Some of the risks include an allergic reaction to any of the ingrediens in Botox®. It should not be injected into areas that are infected. It should also not be used in women who are pregnant or patients with neuromuscular disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis or Myasthenia Gravis.
