Botox
is used to eliminate vertical furrows between the eyebrows
and on the bridge of the nose, horizontal lines on the
forehead and crow's feet at the corners of the eyes.Botox
is a non-toxic, highly purified form of Botulinum Toxin
Type A, a powerful neurotoxin. Originally used as a
treatment  for
crossed or wandering eyes, Botox has been approved since
1980 by the American Academy of Neurology, the American
Academy of Opthalmology, and the National Institute
of Health. The use of Botox for cosmetic purposes was
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in
2002.
How does Botox work?
Dynamic facial wrinkles are largely caused by the contraction
of small, voluntary muscles involved in laughing, smiling,
frowning or lifting the eyebrows. When these small muscles
are relaxed, the wrinkles they can cause on the forehead
or around the eyes diminish significantly - or even
disappear. Injections of Botox into the facial muscles
weaken or paralyze them by blocking nerve impulses.
After Botox, the treated muscles no longer contract
while the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled.
The untreated facial muscles continue to contract as
before, allowing normal facial expressions.
What should I do before getting Botox?
Discontinue aspirin, ibuprofin, or other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs for one week prior to the procedure.
 What
happens during a treatment?
Cosmetic treatment with Botox is a simple and safe procedure,
with no down time. Using a tiny micro-needle, very small
amounts of Botox are precisely injected into the desired
locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine,
the pain associated with the injections is described
as minimal - even like a bug bite. No sedation or local
anesthetic are required.
What should I do after treatment?
Normal activities may be resumed immediately. It is
important, however, to remain upright for at least four
hours after treatment. This is to keep the Botox from
migrating to other areas on the face. Contract and exercise
the treated muscles as much as possible for the first
three to four hours after injection. This will improve
the uptake of the Botox in the desired areas. Avoid
manipulating the areas around the injection sites, to
prevent the spread of Botox to unintended areas.
The results of Botox injections generally appear within
two to five days of treatment, and last from three to
five months. The time periods in which Botox first becomes
and then stays effective may be longer or shorter, depending
on the individual. Clinical studies indicate that the
duration of treatment benefits is increased over time.
After repeated injections, the effects can last longer.
Am I a candidate for Botox?
There are very few restrictions regarding Botox treatments.
Patients who are pregnant, who take certain antibiotics
or have neurologic disease should not be treated. Ask
your doctor if any of your current medications interact
with Botox.
Final thoughts...
Botox is an ongoing, effective and remarkable treatment
for the relief of the facial lines caused by dynamic
muscle activity. Lines which are present at rest may
or may not improve. Botox is not usually used in wrinkles
around the mouth, as this may create an abnormal smile.
And because every patient is different, the degree of
improvement will vary from person to person.
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