Botox
Botox is a cosmetic treatment for the face which works through injection into the skin to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Botox is made from a protein which is obtained from the toxin which causes botulism, botulinum toxin type-A. Botox was first developed in the 1950s when researchers discovered that injecting overactive muscles with small amounts of Botox would paralyze the muscles for a period of up to 4 months. This led to the discovery of using Botox in the face. When facial muscles can't contract, the face is given a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Today, Botox injection is a simple, non-invasive treatment administered by a physician or other medical professional. Botox can smooth moderate to severe facial lines and is most often used on frown lines between the brows. Botox is the only FDA approved medication of this type. Botox injection is the most frequently administered cosmetic treatment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 4.6 million Botox injection procedures were completed in the U.S. in 2007.
There are many products and procedures on the market which claim to decrease lines and wrinkles and improve the appearance of the face, including collagen creams, alpha-hydroxy acids, collagen injections, dermabrasion and chemical peels, but only Botox works under the skin to reduce the contraction of muscles which cause facial lines.
Who is Botox for?
Botox has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in people ages 18 to 65. During clinical trials, almost 90% of women and men were happy with the improvement in their appearance and in the decrease in frown lines following Botox treatment. Botox is suitable for anyone between 18 and 65 who is concerned about facial lines and would like a smoother facial appearance.
Botox has several advantages over other forms of cosmetic treatment. It's not as invasive as a face lift and eliminates the need for recovery time. The pain, swelling and long recovery associated with a facelift don't exist with Botox treatment. Botox is also more affordable than surgical cosmetic treatments such as face lifts. Another advantage of Botox is that it's a temporary treatment. If someone if unhappy with the results of Botox, they will disappear in a few months. The same can't be said of a face lift or other surgical procedure.
Anyone who is considering Botox injection treatment should first check with their doctor. Diseases that affect muscles and nerves need to be discussed before Botox treatment begins, since the chances of side effects from Botox may be increased. All medications which are being taken should also be discussed. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as herbal medications and supplements.
Women who are pregnant, think they may be pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant should postpone Botox treatment until after pregnancy. Treatment should also be avoided while breastfeeding.
How Botox works
Lines which appear between the brows and elsewhere on the face are a result of muscle contractions under the skin and a loss of elasticity in the skin. This loss of elasticity is part of the complex process of aging, and also may be affected by sun exposure, hormone loss and genetic factors.
Botox weakens or paralyzes targeted muscles and blocks specific nerves at the injection site. Once muscles can no longer contract, visible lines are decreased or disappear all together. The effect is temporary and will continue as long as the muscles are paralyzed, which may be for up to 3 or 4 months.
A Botox injection treatment usually takes only a few minutes. A series of tiny injections are made in the problem area. The medical professional who administers the injections will first observe which muscles come into play when the patient makes facial expressions, and then determine exactly where to position each injection. This is where the experience and skill of the medical professional comes into play, since the size and location of facial muscles can vary by individual.
No anesthesia is used when Botox injections are administered, but an ice pack or numbing cream may be placed on the injection site to remove any feeling. Most people feel no more than a pin prick from a Botox injection. No recovery time is needed is needed following a Botox treatment. A normal schedule of activities can be resumed immediately. Within a few days there will be a noticeable change in the appearance of facial lines. These results may last up to 4 months, with the caveat that results may vary from person to person.
How often is Treatment Recommended?
Most people who are happy with the results of an initial Botox injection treatment will go on to schedule regular treatment sessions. Botox treatments can be repeated every 3 to 6 months. Some doctors recommend spacing treatments as much as 8 months apart to avoid possible loss of "muscle memory" at the injection site.
For people who experience anxiety over facial lines, receiving Botox injections on a regular basis can increase self esteem and self worth. For these people, the advantages and benefits obtained from Botox will outweigh the small chances of side effects. It should be noted that Botox injections should be avoided when there is infection at the injection site or evidence of an allergic reaction to Botox. When Botox treatments are discontinued, facial lines will eventually return to their previous appearance before treatment.
Botox Side Effects
Because Botox has been FDA approved for cosmetic treatment since 2002, it has been subjected to thorough clinical trials. These trials determined that most people experience no side effects following Botox injections. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and pass quickly. Possible side effects can include flu-like symptoms, headache and upset stomach. Botox injections may also result in droopy eyelids or tooth pain. There also may be pain, bleeding or bruising at the injection location. In studies of people who were given Botox for cosmetic reasons, these sided effects were found to be experienced by less than 3 percent of those tested.
There have been rare cases of serious heart problems and allergic reactions which have resulted from Botox injections. Symptoms of allergic reactions may include difficulties in breathing, swallowing or speaking. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, hives, itching, and swelling. Emergency medical treatment should be sought if these symptoms occur.
Who can provide Botox?
Botox is a prescription drug which can only be prescribed by a physician. Because Botox injection is a simple, non-invasive procedure, it may be prescribed by a doctor and then administered by another health care professional. Local laws and regulations determine who is qualified to administer Botox injections. These regulations may be determined at the country, state or county level. Typically, providers of Botox cosmetic injections include plastic surgeons, dermatologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and spas which specialize in medical treatments.
The training and experience of the doctor who prescribes Botox injection treatments can make all the difference in the outcome of the treatment. Finding a well-trained doctor or medical professional with experience in giving Botox treatments will help ensure that you get the best treatment possible and that your end up with results that you'll be happy with.
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