Botox




What is Botox?

Botox— the brand name for botulinum toxin type A — is the purified form of the toxin, which if taken in large amounts by mouth causes the food poisoning botulism. But when injected in small doses into specific muscles, Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. When the muscles can't tighten, the skin flattens and appears smoother and less wrinkled.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox as a temporary treatment for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. But it can be used to treat other facial wrinkles as well, such as the lines that fan out from the corners of the eyes (crow's-feet).

Who is Botox for?

Botox is for people who want to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Treatment areas may include:
  • Frown lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose
  • Crow's-feet at the corners of the eyes
  • Forehead creases
  • Thick bands on the neck
Not all facial wrinkles benefit from Botox injections, however. Botox won't reverse wrinkling caused by sun damage. Also, it's less effective treating the lines around your mouth because muscles in this area are needed for eating and talking. Your skin type, skin thickness and degree of wrinkling all play a role in determining whether these injections are effective for you.

Besides a wrinkle treatment, Botox is also used to treat several health conditions, including headaches, backaches, eye muscle problems, muscle spasms and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Also, researchers have found that treating facial scars early on with Botox may improve the appearance of scars long-term. This use for Botox is experimental, however, and hasn't been approved by the FDA.

How do you prepare?

Before scheduling Botox injections for wrinkles, you need to meet with your doctor to discuss the factors that determine whether the procedure is likely to work well for you. This meeting generally includes:

Your medical history. Your doctor asks questions about conditions you have or have had, as well as any medications you're taking. Photographs. Someone from your doctor's office takes photographs of your face from different angles. Your doctor uses these photos for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews. A discussion of your expectations. You and your doctor talk about your motivations and expectations. He or she explains what Botox can and can't do for you and what your results might be.

How are Botox injections done?

A doctor uses a thin needle to inject tiny amounts of Botox into specific muscles. By carefully choosing the muscles to treat, the doctor weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles to preserve your natural facial expressions.

The number of injections needed depends on many factors, including your facial features, the extent of the wrinkling and the specific area being treated. For example, crow's-feet usually require two to five injections. Furrows in your forehead could take eight or more injections.

Botox injections take about 10 to 15 minutes and are usually done in a doctor's office. You may experience mild pain with the injections, but most people find the discomfort tolerable. The procedure requires no anesthesia.

What are the side effects of Botox?

Botox injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced doctor. But side effects and complications can occur. These include:
  • Pain and bruising at the injection site
  • Redness
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Temporary facial weakness or drooping
Botox must only be used under a doctor's care. It can be very dangerous if it's administered incorrectly. Look for a doctor who is board certified in dermatology, ears, nose and throat (otolaryngology), or plastic surgery. Make sure the doctor has experience with Botox treatments. A skilled and properly certified doctor can advise you on the procedure and can help determine if it best suits your needs and health.
Credit: National Institute of Health.
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