How does BOTOX® work?
BOTOX® blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. BOTOX® relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.
Do BOTOX® injections cause botulism?
No. The words “botulinum toxin” often bring to mind images of botulism and food poisoning. BOTOX® injections are approved by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles and frown lines. They have been used to treat neurological disorders for over 30 years. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement over a decade ago about the safe use of botulinum toxin for therapeutic use.
Your consultation
During your consultation with your doctor you will discuss your concerns and the changes that you’d like to make in your appearance. The doctor will explain BOTOX® treatments to you, review the procedure, and point out the risks and limitations involved. Together you will decide if BOTOX® is for you.
Are there any side effects?
Temporary bruising is the most common side
effect. In some cases, BOTOX® can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In rare cases, there can be a drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected. Your doctor will discuss this with you in length before your treatment. Because the effects of BOTOX® are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary, lasting only a few weeks.
What are the limitations of BOTOX® injections?
Unfortunately, BOTOX® injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. The effects of the injections last from four to six months. You will need to have injections about two to three times a year. Early clinical studies indicate that after receiving injections over time, there appears to be a longer lasting effect. This could be due to the relaxing of the skin in that area and breaking the habit of certain facial expressions.
Is Botulism Toxin used to treat any other conditions?
Yes. BOTOX® has been used for over ten years on thousands of patients to treat blepharospasm associated with dystonia. Some doctors use botulinum toxin to treat sweaty palms and underarms as well as migraine headaches.
What is the treatment like?
Cosmetic denervation with BOTOX® is a simple and safe procedure. Using a tiny micro-needle, a very small amount of BOTOX® is injected, very precisely, into several locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. Some patients experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up.
What results can I expect?
If dynamic wrinkles make you look older than you are, cosmetic denervation can smooth these out and give you a more youthful and pleasant appearance. However, this procedure cannot improve wrinkles due to aging and sun-damaged skin, since they are unrelated to facial muscle contractions. BOTOX® injections will not improve sagging skin or replace the need for a facelift or brow lift.