BOTOX THERAPY

AN INTRODUCTION TO BOTOX

Most of us would like to look younger, but we don't have the time or inclination to have cosmetic surgery. In recent years however, a procedure that offers dramatic changes without surgery or long recovery periods, has gained popularity.

Botox therapy was the top cosmetic procedure performed in 2001. Considering how safe and effective it is in treating facial wrinkles such as frown lines and crow's feet, it is no wonder that men and women are increasingly choosing Botox to combat the signs of aging.

Botox is by no means a new treatment. It has been used worldwide since 1980 to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Studies have shown Botox to be effective in reducing frown lines seventy to eighty percent.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox is the trade name for a highly purified, naturally occurring protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Botox has a number of therapeutic uses, one which, is as a muscle relaxant. Botox placed into a specific muscle relaxes the muscle and prevents contraction.

HOW DOES BOTOX FIGHT THE SIGNS OF AGING?

Botox fights the signs of aging by relaxing the underlying muscles which cause wrinkles and lines to appear on the skin. One common use for Botox is treating the deep frown lines which often appear between your eyebrows. Not only do frown lines make you look older, they can also make you appear angry or upset, even when you are happy. Crow's feet around the eyes can also add years to your appearance and make you look like you are squinting most of the time.

It is important to remember that not all facial wrinkles are related to the activity of underlying muscles. Sun exposure, the natural maturing process and smoking can contribute to wrinkles. While less effective against these "static wrinkles", Botox injections may still help improve the overall appearance of the skin when used in combination with filling substances.

CAN BOTOX BE USED TO TREAT SMILE LINES?

Botox could be used around your mouth and chin, but it would almost certainly weaken your smile - something you would probably find undesirable. Smile lines are usually treated by Restylane injections, facelift or laser resurfacing.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A TREATMENT?

A very fine needle is used to inject the Botox into the muscle. Some patients report minor and temporary discomfort. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, so you will be able to continue with your daily activities immediately after your treatment.

DO THE WRINKLES DISAPPEAR IMMEDIATELY?

No, the treated muscles start weakening in one to three days and reach maximum relaxation within one to four weeks. However, it can take up to seven to ten days to be apparent. Most people do not notice anything. They simply become aware that they are no longer able to contract the frown muscles. They can still lift their eyebrows normally and blink without problems.

HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS LAST?

Normally the effects from a single treatment of Botox will last about three months. After this time you will notice a gradual return of facial lines and wrinkles. Usually, Botox treatments are required only three or four times a year.

IS BOTOX RIGHT FOR ME?

Botox should not be used during pregnancy, if you are nursing, or if you are taking certain medications. Only your physician can determine the best course of therapy. The effects of Botox may be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission. Ensure that your doctor is aware of any current medications you are taking.
 

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

SHORT TERM:

All medications have some side effects, but with Botox they are minimal and temporary. Some people develop temporary weakness of muscles or discomfort at the injection site. Some people develop a slight headache for several hours or flu-like symptoms, but this is relatively rare. Bruising at the site of injection is possible. The most significant complication, which is rare, is "ptosis". This is a drooping of the eyelid caused by the Botox tracking into the eyelid muscle. It generally lasts just a few days.

LONG TERM:

One possible complication of long-term use is the formation of antibodies. When antibodies are formed, you may no longer respond as well to therapy.

Along the same lines, the body may also try to compensate for the disconnection between the nerves and the muscles by growing more nerve endings to that muscle. That means that future injections at the same concentration of toxin may be less effective because there are more nerves to block, and you may need higher doses. On a theoretical basis, the risk is that when you stop receiving treatments, you may end up with deeper wrinkles than when you started, because you have more muscle-nerve connections.

Occasionally the injection fails to result in the desired muscle weakness. The treatment can be repeated safely.