Botox Cosmetic, or “Botox,” is a drug, called a neurotoxin, which we often use for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles.  The drug is actually FDA approved for a variety of medical conditions as well.  The generic name is also known as botulinum toxin type A.

Both Dr. Lauren Gavaris and Dr. Paul Gavaris use Botox to treat a variety of medical and cosmetic conditions.  Dr. Paul Gavaris pioneered the use of Botox for facial spasms.

Neurotoxins work by interrupting the normal nerve conduction which activates a muscle.  As a result of the blocked nerve impulses, the muscle can not contract causing paralysis.

Botox is one of the most effective neurotoxins and is used for medical conditions, such as;

• Blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids)
• Hemifacial Spasm (spasm of the face)
• Chronic Migraine Headache
• Severe Neck Spasms
• Shoulder Spasm
• Overactive Bladder

Botox for Wrinkles

Wrinkles and lines on your face can be caused by small muscular contractions lying beneath your skin.  When the muscles contract, overlying wrinkles develop and become more common as the overlying skin loses elasticity.

Paralyzing the underlying muscles can resolve ugly wrinkles and lines.

Botox can be used for the cosmetic treatment of:

• Glabellar Lines (aka Frown Lines) – furrows in between the eyelids
• Frontal Lines – horizontal lines across the forehead
• Crow’s Feet (Canthal lines around the eyes)
• Marionette Lines (corners of the mouth)
• Smoker Lines (around the lips)

Not all wrinkles and lines can be treated with botulinum toxin.  Wrinkles and lines present when your face is totally relaxed (no muscle contraction) may be treated with a dermal filler such as Juvaderm.

Botox Treatments

Injections are given in the office.  Depending upon the area, there may be some slight discomfort, but ice or anesthetic creams can be helpful.

Each treatment lasts about 3-6 months as the drug causes a temporary paralysis of the muscles.  Retreatments are common, but should be given no more frequently than every 3 months or so.

Treatments of the face take about 10-15 minutes and there is usually no down time.  It may take 1-2 weeks to see the full effect of each treatment, so do not expect immediate results.

If you are interested in an oculoplastic evaluation to see if Botox can improve your wrinkles and lines, please call us (202.686.6700) or email us!

We look forward to meeting you.

The Doctors of Eye Associates of Washington, D.C.
Serving Washington, D.C. and Tysons Corner
Board Certified Eye Physicians and Surgeons