Botox Injections - No More Wrinkles?
Botox is a prescription drug that was originally approved by the FDA for the purpose of correcting an eye condition called strabismus (crossed eyes). The doctor that developed Botox found that injections of purified botulinum toxin paralyzed the muscles that cause strabismus (crossed eye) which allowed normal muscles to operate properly. It wasn’t until the 1990's that doctors noticed that while treating patients for strabismus, the appearance of frown lines were significantly reduced. Needless to say patients were thrilled with this particular side effect. In addition to frown lines being greatly reduced, new studies showed promise in the reduction of the appearance of crows-feet and even lines on the forehead.
What is Botox?
Botox is a diluted form of a food poison which blocks nerve signals and causes temporary paralysis when injected in small doses to frown lines.
Is Botox FDA Approved?
Botox received approval for the treatment of frown lines in the US in 2002. Botox is currently in use throughout the world. Keep in mind that because it is used in over sixty countries to date this does not mean that it is approved in that country, only administered by willing doctor’s. Botox is one of the fastest growing cosmetic treatments in the world today. Over a million patients in the US alone reportedly use Botox.
Who Should Administer Botox Treatments?
Only a qualified doctor/plastic surgeon should be injecting botox. Botox injections need to be done in a sterile environment. A doctor will be able to administer the correct dosage and follow up if you have any complications. Botox parties are not sterile, reliable or recommended. You do not know where the botox came from and whether it is in its purified form. There have been reports of unapproved botox being administered to unsuspecting customers at botox parties. Many of these parties serve alcohol which can intensify bruising and may wash the toxin away from the target muscle, leaving you with little or no result.
What are the Side effects of Botox?
Since Botox has not been around very long, the long term side effects are still widely unknown. Short term side effects include the following:
- Nausea
- Droopy eyelids or eyebrows
- Headaches
- Respiratory infection
- Loss of expression
- Facial pain
- Muscle weakness
- Redness or soreness around injection site
- Weakness in a neighboring muscle
- Botox injections can interfere with a patients ability to blink his eyes, eat and speak
- High dosages could lead to poisoning
- Thinning of the muscles with repeated treatments may be a long term effect
Who shouldn’t get Botox Treatments?
- Pregnant women
- Persons with nervous system diseases
Does Botox Involve Any Down Time?
Botox is a procedure done in your doctor’s office with no downtime. You may experience some mild bruising or discomfort. Serious side effects are rare.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Botox injections take effect in as little as one to three days after treatment.
How Often Will I Need Botox Injections?
Botox lasts approximately three to four months in most patients. It is not recommended that injections be administered more frequently than every three months even if the results have faded.
What are the Other Uses of Botox?
Botox is also used to alleviate migraine headaches and to reduce excessive sweating. Botox has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of urinary incontinence. One of its original uses was to treat a vocal chord condition called spasmodic dysphonia.
What Will Botox Cost Me?
The cost of treatment is $200-$300 per area injected. Make sure to discuss fees before beginning treatment. Always see a qualified doctor/plastic surgeon. Ask for a few referrals so you can speak with their clientele about their results. Never allow any doctor or plastic surgeon to perform a procedure on you if you are at all suspicious about their credentials or mode of operation. Use your instincts and make sure they are board certified for that particular procedure.
