Botox® Cosmetic
Botox® Cosmetic is a neuromodulator that minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can also be used for facial shaping.
How does Botox work?
Botox is comprised of a naturally-occurring, purified protein. Botox safely and temporarily blocks nerve impulses from entering the muscle to reduce it’s activity. When a muscle is no longer contracting, it reduces the wrinkling you would normally see when making an expression.
In addition to treating wrinkles, Botox can be used to create facial symmetry or for facial shaping. Common areas for Botox treatment include elevating the brow, jawline slimming, reduction of TMJ pain, reversing downturned lips or a downturned nasal tip, uneven eye size or a “jelly roll” under the eye, correcting a “gummy smile” or “bunny lines”, and reducing neck bands.
Expert knowledge of facial anatomy is the key to outstanding results. Precise dose and placement determine success of the treatment. Dr. Cox has performed multiple clinical trials for Botox right here in Chapel Hill, and travels frequently teaching other physician’s best injection practice and how to avoid complications.
Before | After: After one session, Botox will successfully treat dynamic wrinkles. This shows improvement to static wrinkles (etched in lines) after 6 years of consistent treatments.
Before | After: Dr. Cox used a combination of Botox and the Fraxel Laser to minimize etched in wrinkles between the brows.
Before | After: Dr. Cox used Botox to feminize the jawline and reduce TMJ pain.
Before | After: Botox for facial shaping. Here Dr. Cox provided a subtle brow lift and reduced the appearance of the “jelly roll” under the eyes.
Before | After: Neuromodulators, like Botox, can be used to the platysma. The sole purpose of the platysma is to pull down on the lower face. By relaxing this, we are able to reduce the appearance of neck bands and create a more defined jawline.
Is Botox safe?
The FDA has approved Botox to safely treat wrinkles. Like any surgical or non-surgical procedure, there are risks. As an international teacher and trainer of other physicians in facial anatomy and injection technique, Dr. Cox stresses the importance of finding an experienced physician who understands the finer points of injectable treatments. Dr. Cox performed clinical trials for Botox as well as new neuromodulators not yet on the market and is internationally recognized for her skills as an injector.
Botox downtime
Botox treatments are well tolerated. The treatment is comprised of a series of precise injections with a very small needle. This process only takes a few minutes. Patients often compare the feeling to having their eyebrows plucked.
There is no downtime associated with Botox. Once the injections are complete, there is typically mild swelling and redness around the pin-prick injection sites. This dissipates within a few minutes.
Botox results
You will begin to see results from Botox within three to four days. Full results will appear two weeks after treatment. Botox typically last three to four months. One Botox treatment will reduce or eliminate dynamic wrinkles in the treatment area. Wrinkles that are etched in (remain visible at rest) will need multiple sessions for optimal results. In the case of etched lines, additional treatment modalities may be needed.
Related Clinical Trials
Botox 0504-02
Dr. Cox was principal investigator for the study “A Placebo Controlled Study to Assess Patient-Reported Outcomes in Subjects Receiving BOTOX (Botulinum Toxin Type A) for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Glabellar Rhytids.” The study was performed April to December 2005.
Botox Lip Lines 0801-09
Dr. Cox was principal investigator for the study “Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Parallel Group, Dose-Ranging Study of Botox in Female Subjects with Vertical Lip Lines.” The study was performed in January 2008.
Botox Satisfaction 1105-20
Dr. Cox was principal investigator for the study “A Pilot Study of BOTOX® Cosmetic in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Glabellar Lines – Establishing Patient Satisfaction.” The study was performed in May 2011.
Botox Satisfaction 1210-26
Dr. Cox was principal investigator in the study “A Pilot Study of BOTOX® Cosmetic in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Glabellar Lines – Establishing Patient Satisfaction.” The study was performed to assess patient satisfaction of treatment for wrinkles between the brows. The study was conducted October through December 2012.
Glabellar Lines 1711-59
Dr. Cox finished work as the principal investigator for this study “A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group Study on the Safety and Pharmacodynamic Response of BOTOX in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Dynamic Glabellar Lines.” The study evaluated tweaks in the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines (those vertical lines between the brow). Dr. Cox enjoyed looking at an existing product with a new perspective. This study began in November of 2017 and ended in March of 2019.
Platysma Bands Neuromodulator 2106-76
This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Botox when used in the platysma bands. We hope to see this new indication approved in the future! Dr. Cox served as principal investigator.
Glabellar Neuromodulator 2204-84
This study compared the safety and duration two previously approved FDA neuromodulators (Jeuveau and Botox) when different dosages are used. Dr. Cox served as principal investigator. This study began in April of 2022 and ended in August of 2023.
Platysma Bands Neuromodulator 2110-81
Dr. Cox served as Principal Investigator in this study evaluating the safety of Botox when used in the platysma (neck) bands. Dr. Cox has long been using neuromodulators like Botox in the platysma to improve neck lines, as well as help further define the jawline. We hope to see this indication on-label over the coming years! This study began in October 2021 and ended in September 2023.