|
|
 |
BOTOX: Triumph Over
Unwanted Wrinkles |
| By Mark Holzberg, MD Newnan, GA |
 |
It has been said that an ideal cosmetic procedure produces dramatic benefits, has few side effects, and is reversible if results are not optimal. Botulinum toxin, or "BOTOX," has not only been an exciting advance in cosmetic treatment; it meets the criteria for an "ideal" cosmetic procedure. BOTOX has been used by ophthalmologists for many years to correct strabismus, or "lazy eye". Recently, the use of BOTOX has exploded due to its dramatic cosmetic improvement in facial expression lines.
Cosmetic physicians have known that the skin furrows that we call wrinkles are due to contraction of the underlying muscle under the skin pulling the skin together to form the wrinkle. Relaxation of the muscle softens the wrinkle and can actually cause it to disappear. Furrows and wrinkles which respond best to BOTOX are glabellar furrows (the deep wrinkles between the eyebrows), forehead wrinkles, and crow's feet. BOTOX has also been used for laugh lines, neck folds, and chin creases. More recently it has found success in patients who have profuse hand perspiration.
The procedure is simple and can be performed during a routine office visit. BOTOX is injected in minute quantities into the contracted muscles that cause wrinkles and the results are impressive. The muscles relax and wrinkles improve. Within five to seven days, lines of facial expression are reduced. The effect does wear off within three to six months and then BOTOX needs to be injected again. Most patients, however, do request additional sessions. Studies appear to show that with continued treatments, there is a greater length of time between injection procedures.
After BOTOX is injected, it goes to work at blocking the nerves involved in muscle contraction. To allow BOTOX to do its job, three instructions are recommended. First, it is recommended not to touch the site for two to three hours. Second, the patient is asked to remain upright for two to three hours. Third, the patient is asked to move the muscles injected for two to three hours. This allows BOTOX to be taken up by the involved muscle and nerves and allow it to block contraction. Frowning for glabellar wrinkles, raising the eyebrows or forehead wrinkles, and squinting for crow's feet allow BOTOX to work to maximum advantage.
Because the toxin is injected in such small amounts, the safety profile for this medication is high and side effects are minimal. There may be a slight sting at the injection site in about half of the people undergoing the procedure. There may be a mild bruise at the injection site but this is uncommon. Bruising appears to be more common in those people taking aspirin or blood thinners. There might be a concern about a droopy eyebrow or droopy eyelid. Droopy eyelids occur in about one out of 100 people. It lasts an average of four weeks and then it goes away.
There are really no contraindications to the procedure. In other words, it appears that all people can have the procedure performed. There is even one report of a pregnant Alaskan woman who developed botulism and delivered a normal baby. The same toxin in botulism is used in BOTOX, except there are higher amounts of the toxin in botulism. This reassures us that BOTOX is indeed a safe agent. The toxin itself is expensive making the injection procedure somewhat expensive. Cost for the visit, the injection and the toxin may vary between $300 and $600.
BOTOX is a useful addition to cosmetic rejuvenation. This simple procedure performed in the physician’s office has hardly any recovery time and results occur quickly. It can take ten years off the appearance of facial wrinkles within one week. For certain wrinkles, BOTOX is the procedure of choice. At times, no other cosmetic procedure can approach BOTOX results. This makes BOTOX the safe and reliable choice for many unwanted wrinkles of the face.
|
|
|
|
