Botox Results Are Real, But Fleeting

Botox injections are a popular technique for smoothing away facial wrinkles. An expert says we need to be aware that the effects of the procedure are temporary, and that periodic re-injections will be required to maintain that younger look.

As the baby boom generation ages, the popularity of cosmetic plastic surgery, as well as non-surgical options, is surging. One of the most widely-used of these non-surgical options for smoothing away facial wrinkles is injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A, commonly known by its brand name, Botox. Dr. Michael Zenn, assistant surgeon in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Duke University Medical Center, says Botox is safe and effective, but the effects are temporary.

"The Botox injection will last three to four months and then the patients will need a re-injection. We saw this phenomenon when collagen came out and people were getting collagen injections."

A good approach, suggests Zenn, is to try an injection of Botox, assess the results and then consider a more permanent procedure.

"What I try to focus on are things that are going to make more permanent changes, where patients will do something, feel good about it and have it last. Botox is good from the standpoint that it can help eliminate some wrinkles, give people an idea what it would look like not to have the wrinkles there."

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