Botox® is a purified protein that is used in small doses for certain cosmetic procedures and medical conditions. It is particularly useful for eliminating the frown lines or chronic furrows between the eyebrows that may persist through repeated, often subconscious action of muscles located directly between the eyebrows. Botox® is also the treatment of choice for horizontal forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes.
Additional uses of Botox® include the non-surgical brow lift, where Botox® is used to create an elevation of the eyebrows, as well as treatment of lip lines, neck wrinkles, and neck muscular bands. These are remarkable advances in the treatment of the aging face as traditional approaches to eyebrow depression and neck aging have been quite invasive surgical procedures. The advent of Botox® injections for treatment of the neck, perioral lines and eyebrows, in addition to its other more conventional wrinkle removing uses, has revolutionized the approach to wrinkle treatment. Botox® treatment is a relatively straightforward outpatient procedure, with minimal risk, that has now replaced many of the more traditional surgical approaches to facial aging. A more youthful appearance can be achieved in a fifteen minute session.
Where do you put Botox®?
Injecting Botox® into a facial muscle relaxes it, causing the wrinkle to gradually disappear. When you purposefully make a frown, you can feel the corrugator muscle as a thickening just above the inner part of your eyebrows. After a muscle is injected with Botox®, it loses its ability to move the skin into a frown. Forehead lines are caused by the frontalis muscle which can be seen when the eyebrows are raised. Squinting produces a gathering of the skin next to the eyes in the crowÕs feet area and is caused by a portion of the orbicularis oculi muscles. Perioral or ÒsmokerÕs” lines are caused by the contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle. Neck wrinkles and bands are caused by protruding fibers of the plastysma muscle. Each of these muscles is readily visible to the skilled physician and can be safely injected in a single session.
Are the effects lasting?
Treatment with Botox® takes only a few minutes and the results are noticeable in four to seven days. Gradually, over a period of three to four months, the effects of Botox® will wear off and the muscles will again be functional. Repeat injections are done as muscle function returns. In time, the muscles begin to lose their strength and the time interval between injections usually lengthens.
Is there any danger of botulism from Botox®?
No, it is not possible because Botox® is a purified protein that contains no active bacteria. Botulism occurs when large amounts of the toxin are ingested into the system, usually from eating contaminated food.
How has Botox® been tested and what are the side effects?
Botox® has been used since 1980 for treatment of two facial conditions, strabismus (lazy eye) and blepharospasm (uncontrolled eye blinking). It was first used for forehead wrinkles in 1989 and received FDA approval for cosmetic treatments in 2002.
Side effects from Botox® are minimal when it is properly administered by a physician trained in its use. There may be a little discomfort as the solution is injected at the treatment site and there is a small chance of bruising. There have been no known reports of permanent side effects withBotox®.
How will I look after my treatment?
Treatment with Botox® is a “no downtime” procedure. After treatment, most patients have no significant side effects. There may be a mild amount of redness at the injection site, but this resolves in a few hours. Bruising is very uncommon. Patients are advised to remain upright for four hours after treatment and to avoid strenuous exercise the day of treatment. We also encourage patients to move the treated muscles after injection to maximize the effects of Botox®.
Botox® is useful for improving frown lines, neckbands, drooping eyebrows, and certain other wrinkles by relaxing the muscles so that they appear less noticeable. It can be used successfully along with other techniques such as filling agents (Collagen, Restylane, Juvederm), photofacial, V-Beam (pulsed-dye) and Cool Touch laser treatments, glycolic peels, and microdermabrasion.