BOTOX® (Removing wrinkles in motion)
HOW DOES BOTOX® WORK?
Botox® works by chemically weakening facial muscles causing them to relax and flatten. The skin of the face is different from the skin elsewhere in that facial skin is supported on a layer of thin muscle called the muscles of facial expression. The over contraction of these muscles result in wrinkles & frowns Botox® works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles; thereby relaxing them.
IS BOTOX® SAFE?
This procedure, using injectable botulism toxins, sometimes referred to as cosmetic denervation, has been widely used and is considered a safe, effective way of treating facial aging. Botox® was originally developed for treating “lazy eye” in young children and has been used in this capacity for several years.
WHERE IS THE USE OF BOTOX® MOST EFFECTIVE?
It is used to eliminate or reduce worry and frown lines, “crow’s feet”, laugh lines and other wrinkles sometimes known as dynamic wrinkles.
THE PROCEDURE
Botox® is injected into various locations just under the skin on the face. The needle is extremely small and only a tiny amount of liquid is injected at one time. The pain associated with the procedure is minimal so a sedative or local anesthetic is not necessary.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. The physician may recommend that the patient neither exercise strenuously nor lie down for 3 to 4 hours, although some facial exercises may be suggested. The treatment takes 2 to 14 days to take effect and lasts from 3 to 6 months. When the toxin begins to wear off, the wrinkles begin to reappear; however, they frequently are not as deep as the original ones. It usually takes two to four injections each year to maintain the smooth, youthful appearance that is desired. Clinical studies suggest that, after several rounds of treatment, the patient may require injections less often.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
There are no serious side effects associated with this treatment. You may experience a small amount of bruising around the treated areas; however, this is temporary. Another side effect that occurs only rarely is a slight drooping of the eyebrow or upper eyelid. Fortunately, when this occurs, it corrects itself in two to three weeks, or sooner with the use of medicated eye drops. There are no other visible signs of the treatment.
