Botox® cosmetic treatment is one of the most dramatic advances in the ongoing war against wrinkles, migraines, excessive sweating and other issues. Botox® injecting is FDA-approved and is among the most widely performed cosmetic procedures in both Utah and the United States.
What Botox is made of
Botox® is dilute extract of botulinum toxin. When placed in muscles it temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, which in turn relaxes the targeted muscles and thereby reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
What Botox can treat
Botox® is particularly effective for the relief of furrows in the forehead, frown lines, lines and grooves over the bridge of the nose and the crow’s feet next to the outer corners of the eyes that become apparent when you smile or grimace. These wrinkles are called dynamic wrinkles and are due to the effects of underlying facial muscles. Not only do these muscles cause the face to appear wrinkled, but also they can cause tension headaches.
Botox® has also been found to be effective in treating excessive sweating, migraine headaches, and may also be used for the treatment of blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking and spasms of the eyelids). Patients with blepharospasm often also have dry eye syndrome and poor tear film quality due to blepharitis. It is important for patients to be evaluated and treated for these conditions in addition to the Botox® therapy.
The safety of Botox
Botox® has been used for close to ten years to treat double vision in children due to muscle imbalance. There have been no serious side effects; which may include dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, or eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids, and dry eyes. There are certain people with neuromuscular disorders who may be particularly sensitive to the effects of Botox® where they could experience systemic side effects. In addition, Botox® should not be given to pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Be sure you talk to your doctor about potential risks involved with Botox®.
How long Botox lasts
The effect may last for three to four months. When Botox® is used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis, the effect may last six to seven months. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe after repeat treatments because the muscles are being trained to relax.
Botox® vs. Collagen Injections, Laser Treatments, Retin-A, and Plastic Surgery
All of the above treatments have a place in the treatment of wrinkles. Botox® is suitable and remarkably effective for the treatment of expression induced wrinkles. On the other hand, collagen, laser resurfacing, Retin-A, and plastic surgery may be appropriate for the treatment of wrinkles caused by the sun, cigarette smoking, sleep position, and loss of skin elasticity.
Treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
For those people who suffer from excessive armpit sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis) one Botox® treatment may provide relief for as long as six months
Preventing the "frozen face"
The “Botox face” or “frozen face” appearance is a result of overly aggressive treatments that block not only the unwanted movements causing wrinkles but also all facial expression. We strive for a natural appearance, maintaining each patient's ability to maintain natural facial expressions, but with a softer, rejuvenated underlying appearance.
Your Botox appointment
The Botox® treatment typically takes only 10-20 minutes in the doctor's office. It involves tiny needle pinches to the target areas. You may be asked to move specific muscles in your face to help determine where the injections will be administered. The injections are done with a very fine needle. Most patients find the process to be nearly painless.
Allow time before your appointment for filling out forms and consulting with the doctor or a member of his or her staff. If it's your initial visit, you may first meet with your doctor personally or a staff member. Many doctors have on-staff licensed aestheticians or nurses who are trained in skin care and skin care procedures who can answer many of your questions.
You may also be asked about your expectations for treatment and if you have any allergies or any condition that would prevent you from being a good candidate for Botox®.
Before the procedure. You'll probably be seated in a reclining chair, much like you find in a dentist's office. No anesthesia is required, although your doctor may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream.
The procedure. Your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area. A series of small injections with a very fine needle will be given to specific muscles just under the skin.
After the procedure. There's no recovery time needed; discomfort and downtime are minimal. You're ready to get on with your day!
Seeing results. Within days, you may notice an improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. Keep in mind that results may vary.