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Botox
Botox™ is an FDA approved purified protein naturally
derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum
Type A. It has been used for more than 20 years to
reduce unwanted muscle activity, and is considered
safe and effective. Initially introduced for
treatment of ophthalmologic and neurological
muscular diseases, it is now also used for the
cosmetic reduction of facial expression lines.
As noted above, lines and wrinkles develop, at least
in part, from the action of facial muscles under the
skin. After years, furrows may remain along these
facial expression lines without any active facial
muscle expression. The development of these lines is
promoted by years of sun exposure, and usage of
these facial muscles. Botox™ prevents unwanted
facial lines and improves or blends the wrinkles
that are visible while muscles are at rest.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Botox™ works by immobilizing the muscle, at treated
sites. It does this by inhibiting the contraction of
the targeted muscles. Only those muscles producing
these undesirable lines are treated.
Frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet
lines and forehead wrinkles are effectively treated
with the BOTOX. The treatment takes a few minutes
and the BOTOX takes effect in three to four days.
Patients return to work or other activities
immediately after treatment.
When BOTOX is injected there is a minor sting for a
few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there
is usually no discomfort. Most patients report a
mild stinging sensation which subsides within a
minute.
Prominent facial expression lines, such as,
horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines
between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet around the
eyes are dramatically improved with treatment.
Unlike filler materials, Botox™ treats the
underlying cause of facial expression lines. Filler
materials, such as Juvederm, plump up the skin.
Although fillers reduce the appearance of lines when
there is not facial expression, the moment the
person does smile or frown, the lines reappear.
Botox™ actually prevents unwanted lines from
appearing with facial expression and often even at
rest. These two products work together in tandem to
help maximize your desired results.
A small quantity of solution is injected into the
muscles that are next to the prominent furrowing or
expression lines. Typically several injections are
given with each treatment, and one treatment is
usually effective for 3-6 months.
Botox™ typically lasts for 3 to 4 months. When the
effect of Botox™ wears off or diminishes, the
muscles that contribute to these facial expression
lines again become active, treatment can again be
administered.
Immediately after treatment the skin appears
normal but there may be some redness and swelling at
the treated sites.
Within 48 hours after treatment reduction in the
muscle activity can be noticed. About one week after
treatment the maximal benefit is attained and
continues for a few months.
Yes. Refrain from touching the area of treatment for
at least 1 hour. We recommend limiting the touching
and rubbing of the facial areas treated for the
first day, especially not rubbing toward the eyes.
This can cause the medication to move toward the eye
and potentially cause a drooping eyelid. By pushing
on the area that was treated you may cause a
negative effect. Immediately after treatment you may
resume all normal activities.
There is usually mild discomfort at the injection
site. This only lasts only a few seconds.
Rarely. If Botox™ should affect an adjacent muscle,
it too may have reduced activity. This has been
reported in about one percent of those treated and
if this does develop, the most common change is
eyelid drooping. However, any unwanted muscle
relaxation would also be temporary. There are no
reports of any injury to the eye when Botox™ is
administered to the muscles of the forehead.
No. Extremely small diluted amounts of Botox™ are
administered. These quantities are insufficient to
cause botulism or any related symptoms. |
