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What is Botox?
Botox that is used for
cosmetic purposes is a
purified neurotoxin
(paralyzing agent) derived
from the bacteria
Clostridium botulinum. It
is manufactured by Allergan,
Inc. in Irvine, California
under the strictest of
regulatory methods to ensure
safety and purity.
What is the history of
Botox?
Botox has been used for a
variety of medicinal and
cosmetic purposes for over
20 years. Some of the uses
include treatment of
strabismus ("cross eye"),
hyperhidrosis (excessive
sweating), migraine
headaches, muscle spasm and
of course, wrinkles.
Botox was approved by the
FDA in 2001 for cosmetic
use. It is currently
approved for the treatment
of wrinkles in the glabellar
area.
How does Botox work?
Botox permanently blocks
nerve endings resulting in
paralysis of a portion of a
muscle. How much paralysis
occurs is related to the
dose used. The overall
result is a relaxation of
the injected muscle.
What are the places that
Botox is used to reduce
wrinkles?
How can you predict the
results of Botox?
Lines and wrinkles which are
caused by excessive movement
of the underlying muscles
typically respond to Botox
treatment. Lines and
wrinkles caused by excessive
sun damage or from sagging
skin will not be improved by
Botox.
Wrinkles that can be
eliminated by pulling or
putting gentle tension on
the skin will be reduced
with Botox.
"Crease" lines or furrows of
the skin that do not
disappear when tensed or
stretched out, may be
improved but not completely
removed. However, with
repeated use over time,
further reduction can be
obtained.
What is treatment with Botox
like?
The treatment is performed
in the office. Ice and/or
topical anesthesia may be
used.
Small quantities of the
toxin are injected directly
into the muscles to be
treated using a tiny needle
and a calibrated syringe.
The injections can be
considered by some to be
mildly uncomfortable.
Typically it takes only a
few minutes to inject
individual areas.
Are the effects permanent?
No, the effects are not
permanent, however clients
have noticed that with
repeated injections over
time, that the Botox results
often begin to last longer.
Typically the results last
from 3-5 mos.
After injection, the results
are usually noticeable within
1-3 days but may not peak
for 1-2 weeks.
The reason Botox "wears off"
is because the body produces
new nerve endings to replace
those that have been blocked
previously by Botox.
What are the potential
complications with Botox
injections?
Mild swelling or bruising at
the injection sites.
Mild headaches or tightness
can occur, but usually
resolve within a few days.
The injected muscle may not
weaken enough or may be
weakened unevenly requiring
a touch-up injection.
The injected muscle may
weaken too much, which will
wear off in time.
Drooping or ptosis of the
upper eyelid, which lasts
from a few days to 2 weeks,
is seen in about 1 in 200
injections in the glabellar
area, and may be treated
with eye drops until it
resolves by itself.
Masked facies.
What are the restrictions
after treatment with Botox?
Clients can resume normal
activity the same day.
Lying down flat or
rubbing/massaging the
injected area should be
avoided for 4 hours.
Clients can apply makeup
immediately after the
procedure.
Who should not be treated
with Botox?
Clients with neuromuscular
disorders such as myasthenia
gravis.
Clients who are allergic to
Botox, although allergic
reactions have not been
observed.
Clients who are pregnant or
breast feeding.
Clients using certain
medications such as quinine
or calcium-channel blockers
may have increased effect of
Botox.
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