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.
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.