BOTOX®Cosmetic
BOTOX® – What is it?
Botox® is a purified protein derivative that relaxes muscle. It binds to the muscle and prevents the nerves from sending signals to the muscle to contract. The onset of action is usually a few days to two weeks and the duration of action is typically from three to four months. Individual results may vary.
What does BOTOX treat?
Facial lines:
Not all facial lines of expression are due to muscle activity, but the common ones seen are:
Transverse lines on the forehead
Vertical lines on the glabella (the lower part of the forehead just above the nose
Crows feet (the smile lines on the outside of the eyes
Vertical lip lines (usually just upper lip but can be both).
Falling facial structures:
Botox can also be used to rejuvenate other areas of the face by relaxing muscles that position facial structures in an undesirable place:
The outer eyebrows and corners of the mouth can be elevated by relaxing the depressor muscles that pull them down.
Excessive underarm perspiration:
Patients who suffer from severe underarm perspiration that does not respond to conventional over the counter treatments may be a candidate for treatment with Botox. For this particular problem, the duration of effect of the Botox is typically 5 – 6 months.
How is Botox administered?
Botox is injected just under the surface of the skin. The amount given is measured in “units” rather than by weight (i.e. milligrams). Sometimes a topical anesthetic (ELA-Max) is applied to the skin prior to injection. A very small needle (30 gauge) is used for injection to minimize discomfort. Most treatments usually take only a few minutes.
How much Botox is required?
Everyone varies as to how much Botox they require. Some individuals are more sensitive to the effects of Botox than others. All treatments are customized to the needs of the patient. Sometimes adjustments need to be made with future treatments, either increasing or decreasing the treatment doses, based on the response to the previous treatment. For this reason, detailed “injection records” are kept for future reference.
How often should I be treated?
When a muscle is relaxed by Botox, it begins to atrophy. It is best to retreat just as function begins to return to the muscle, while the muscle is still atrophied. Repeating treatments every 3 to 4 months usually accomplishes this goal.
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