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The FDA has
approved Botox® (Allergan, Inc.)
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:
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No downtime. Patients
can immediately resume
normal activities. |
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Long experience has
proven BTX to be safe.
To date, no systemic
complications associated
with BTX injections have
been documented. |
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Treatment is reversible
within several months. |
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May be beneficial for
treatment of migraine
headaches. |
Other
Considerations:
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BTX injections are a
temporary solution for
the treatment of
wrinkles. The effects
last from 3-4 months and
require repeat
treatments. |
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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. |
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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. |
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