| |
 BOTOX
THERAPY
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by contractions of
the delicate underlying facial muscles every
time you smile, laugh or frown. The more emotion
you show, the deeper these wrinkles and lines
are likely to be.
Deep ingrained lines of the face will not be
affected by Botox injections only those lines
caused by muscular activity will be improved or
softened.
The procedure known as cosmetic denervation uses
Botox injections to improve the appearance of
worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, crow’s
feet and other dynamic wrinkles.
WHAT IS BOTOX THERAPY?
Botox is a purified botulinum toxin and is used
to soften facial lines and wrinkles. Botox works
well for forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown
lines. Botox is injected into the muscle in
these areas and works by weakening the muscle,
which in turn lessens the lines of facial
expression. Botox relaxes the muscles so they do
not contract fully. Botox blocks impulses from
the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are
related to expression lines.
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. Botox
treatments for wrinkles and signs of aging have
not specifically been approved by the FDA. It is
considered an “off the shelf use” of this
product and has been used by physicians for this
purpose.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT LIKE?
Cosmetic enervation with Botox is a simple and
relatively safe procedure. Using a tiny needle,
a very small amount of Botox is injected 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. Using a topical
anesthetic (Emma cream) will further diminish
your discomfort. Most patients compare the
sensation to a bug bite. You can resume normal
activities immediately but exercise is not
recommended for 4-6 hours. You can drive
yourself home. Some patients experience a slight
bruising at the injection site. This can be
covered with make-up. The treated areas will
take 5 to 14 days to soften; treatment will last
3 to 6 months.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE FOLLOWED
If any of the following apply to you, you should
not receive Botox injections:
- If you have myasthenia gravis
- If you have neuromuscular disease such as
muscular sclerosis
- If you have an allergy to human albumin (eggs
)or to botulinum toxin
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding
- If you have taken aspirin, Advil or
anti-inflammatory medication in the last
two weeks.
WHAT TO DO AFTER BOTOX INJECTIONS
Do not lie down for 4 hours after the treatment
Do not massage the treated muscles for 4 hours,
this could possibly cause the Botox to spread to
the muscles around the eyes.
Exercise the muscles injected by contracting
them 2-3 times every 15 minutes for 1 hour after
the treatment, this helps the Botox attaches
better to active muscles.
REPEAT BOTOX INJECTIONS
Injections can be repeated every 3 to 6 months.
With time some patients will require less
frequent treatments as they break the habit of
contracting frown lines and other muscles of
facial expression. The muscles themselves may
weaken from lack of use.
Sometimes an injection does not have sufficient
effect and a touch-up is necessary. The Botox
effect may take 36 hours to 14 days. Repeat
injections are necessary every 3-6 months or
sooner in some individuals.
Sometimes the Botox injection is not effective
due to the production of antibodies or
individual resistance to Botox. Boxtox effect
may also decrease in its affectivity over time.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Temporary bruising is the most common side
effect. Sometimes an injection does not have
sufficient effect and a touch-up is necessary.
Occasionally, individuals may be resistant to
the Botox injection. Rarely, drooping of the
eyebrow or eyelid can occur. Lasting for up to
six months, this drooping is may be reversible
with an eye drop medication.
Extremely rare double vision has been reported.
In some cases, Botox can migrate and cause a
temporary weakness of nearby muscles and
asymmetry of the face. The risk of any side
effect depends on the muscles injected. Dr.
Rosenthal will discuss this with you in length
before your treatment. Because the effects of
Botox are usually reversible, most side effects
are temporary, lasting a few weeks to months.
We look forward to assisting you and will be
glad to answer any questions relating to Botox
injections.
Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D.
Fairfield County, Connecticut
|
|
