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.
Are
Botox Treatments Safe?
Botox injections have
been used safely and effectively for over ten years
to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders.
Each year thousands of patients receive Botox treatments
for a variety of conditions and it is quickly becoming
a popular treatment for reversing the visible signs
of aging.
What
Is The Treatment Like?
Cosmetic denervation with
Botox is a simple and safe procedure. Using a tiny microneedle,
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.
Are
There Any Side Effects?
Temporary bruising is
the most common side effect. In some cases, the toxin
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
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.
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 three
to six months. You will need to have injections about
two to three times a year. The early clinical studies
indicate that the duration of treatment benefits is
increased over time so that you should require injections
less frequently in the future. Also, the duration of
effect varies from patient to patient and may be less
effective for those over 65 years of age.
Is
Botox Used To Treat Other Symptoms?
Yes, Botox has been used
for over ten years on thousands of patients to treat
blepharospasm associated with dystonia.
How
Can I Find Out If I Am A Candidate For Botox?
If you would like to learn
more about your cosmetic options, or find out if Botox
treatments might work well for you, please contact
our office and schedule a consultation with the
doctor.
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