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 Botox™ is a FDA approved purified protein naturally derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum Type A. It has been used for more than 20 years to reduce unwanted muscle activity, and is considered safe and effective. Initially introduced for treatment of ophthalmologic and neurologic muscular diseases, it is now also used for the cosmetic reduction of facial expression lines.
As noted above, lines and wrinkles develop, at least in part, from the action of facial muscles under the skin. After years, furrows may remain along these facial expression lines even without any active facial muscle expression. The development of these lines is promoted by years of sun exposure, and to from these facial muscles. Botox™ is capable of preventing the unwanted facial expression lines and improves or blends the wrinkles that were visable while the muscles were at rest.
Botox™ acts by immobilizing the muscle, at treated sites. It does this by inhibiting contraction of the targeted muscles. Only those muscles producing these undesirable lines are treated.
Frown lines between the eyebrows, crow's feet lines and forehead wrinkles are effectively treated with the BOTOX. The treatment takes a few minutes and the BOTOX takes effect in three to four days. Patients return to work or other activities immediately after treatment.
When BOTOX is injected there is a minor sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort. Most patients report mild discomfort that subsides within a minute.
Prominent facial expression lines, especially horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet are most dramatically improved with treatment.
Unlike filler materials, Botox™ treats the underlying cause of the facial expression lines. Filler materials, such as Restylane, plump up the skin. Although fillers reduce the appearance of lines when there is no facial expression, the moment the person does smile or frown, the lines reappear. Botox™ actually prevents the unwanted lines from appearing with facial expression and often even at rest. These two products work together in tandem to help maximize the desired results.
A small quantity of solution is injected directly into the muscles that are the cause of the prominent furrowing or expression lines. Typically several injections are given with each treatment, and one treatment is usually effective for 3-6 months. Each patient metabolizes Botox at different rates so the treatment may last longer or may not last as long.
Botox™ lasts for 3 to 6 months. When the effect of Botox™ wears off or diminishes, the muscles that contribute to these facial expression lines again become active, treatment can again be administered.
Immediately after treatment the skin appears normal as there may be some redness and swelling at the treated sites. Occasionally, there can be mild bruising. If present, these changes resolve within a few hours to days. The skin feels normal and there is no unusual sensation.
Within 48 hours after treatment reduction in the muscle activity can be noticed. About one week after treatment the maximal benefit is attained and continues for a few months.
Yes. Refrain from touching the area of treatment for at least 1 hour. By pushing on the area that was treated you may cause a negative effect. Immediately after treatment you may resume all normal activities.
There is usually mild discomfort at the injection sites. This only lasts for a few seconds.
Rarely. If Botox™ should affect an adjacent muscle, it too may have reduced activity. This has been reported in about one percent of those treated and if this does develop, the most common change is eyelid drooping. However, any such unwanted muscle relaxation would also be temporary. There are no reports of any injury to the eye when Botox™ is administered to the muscles of the forehead.
No. Extraordinarily small amounts of Botox™ are administered. These quantities are insufficient to cause botulism or any related symptoms.
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