The FDA has approved Botox® (Allergan, Inc.) and Dysport ® (Medicis) as a cosmetic wrinkle remedy. The number of people seeking treatment has increased dramatically.  More than 1 million injections were given in 2000, according to ASAPS statistics.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections , often referred to by the product names Botox® or Myobloc®, are biological toxins transformed into a therapeutic agent. Work with BTX began in the late 1960s to treat neurological disorders. Today, BTX is used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead furrows, "crow’s feet," lines and wrinkles of the lower face, and even nasal muscles (to decrease nostril flaring). BTX injections have proven to be a very popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure; see current American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics. Aesthetic plastic surgeons have found that the type of lines and wrinkles that respond to BTX injections are those caused by the muscles—specifically those muscles that contract during facial expressions such as frowning or squinting.

Periodic injections of Botox® tame your frown lines by temporarily paralyzing the over-active muscles that cause them. After the procedure, these lines will be improved at rest, and frowning will no longer create as deep a furrow. The effects of Botox® usually occur within 24 to 48 hours after injection. Results last, on average, about four months. Some surgeons have reported that the effects seem to last longer with each treatment, but so far this has not been proven scientifically. A small percentage of patients may experience no improvement at all following the injections.

Taking certain medications (specific antibiotics, for example) may increase the potency of the Botox® injections. It's important for patients to provide a full disclosure to their plastic surgeon of all medications they are taking. If you are pregnant or nursing, you'll want to discuss this with your surgeon before undergoing treatment with Botox®.

Technique: The patient is asked to contract the muscles in the area being treated so the surgeon can determine the proper location for injection. In most cases, BTX is injected directly into the muscle with a tiny needle. It takes a few days to realize the effect of BTX injections.

After your treatment: Keep your head elevated for at least four hours after the injection and avoid exercise. For the first hour you should contract the forehead muscles.

Benefits:

No downtime. Patients can immediately resume normal activities.

Long experience has proven BTX to be safe. To date, no systemic complications associated with BTX injections have been documented.

Treatment is reversible within several months.

May be beneficial for treatment of migraine headaches.

Other Considerations:

BTX injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of wrinkles. The effects last from 4-6 months and require repeat treatments.

Possible side effects include local numbness, swelling, bruising, or a burning sensation during injection. Some patients have reported temporary headache and nausea. Most complications are of short duration and can be avoided with proper injection techniques.

A small percentage of patients are reported to experience no improvement at all.

What are some side effects of Botox?

Although Botox is growing in popularity for its ability to temporarily diminish the appearance of wrinkles, there are some real albeit uncommon risks. Some of these associated risks are bleeding/bruising, dry eye problems, drooping of the eyelid (ptosis), double vision, or allergic type reactions. Side effects, like other results of Botox, are temporary. Botox use in cosmetic plastic surgery is largely to treat dynamic wrinkles (those caused by excessive muscle contraction) around the eyes, and in the forehead and neck. It can be used alone or in conjunction with a surgical procedure.