Botox® cosmetic

Botox® is a chemical that is injected into muscles to stop movement, thereby getting rid if wrinkles.  In the treatment of wrinkles, there are two basic types of wrinkles: dynamic and static. 

Dynamic wrinkles are present only when the muscle is moving.  Botox® is used in this situation to prevent the motion of the muscle and thereby preventing the development of the wrinkle.  The most common dynamic wrinkles on the face to treat are at the corners of the eyes (Crow's feet) and across the bridge of the nose (the bunny nose).  Treatment is highly effective, but relies on repeat injections that are usually every 3 months.

Static wrinkles are visible whether the muscle is moving or not.  Any dynamic wrinkle could eventually become a static wrinkle.  Using Botox® on the muscle responsible for that wrinkle may allow the skin to smooth out over time, but it could also require other procedures such as facelift, browlift, or skin resurfacing with chemical peels.  The most common static wrinkles on the face to treat are between the eyebrows (glabellar region) and the forehead.  Treatment is highly effective, but may require 2 or 3 treatments to smooth the wrinkle, usually every 3 months.

There are some permanent solutions for wrinkles treated with Botox® involving the surgical removal of the muscle responsible for the wrinkle.  This is usually done at the time of another procedure.