Botox®

Botulinum Toxin
BOTOX® is a formulation of botulinum toxin type A. It is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.  This bacterium produces a protein that blocks the release of acetylcholine and relaxes muscles.  Type A is just one of seven different types of botulinum toxin (A, B, C1, D, E, F, and G), and each has different properties and actions.  No two of these botulinum toxins are alike.

Although in very large doses it can cause botulism, Botox® is safe in the doses used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.  It has been used safely for decades in the United States.

Botox and Wrinkles
Botox® is only effective for dynamic wrinkle.  Botox® will dramatically improve and often vanish horizontal forehead creases, scowl lines between your eyebrows, crow's feet, and vertical wrinkles of your upper lip.

Botox® is ineffective for fine wrinkles because they are not caused by the muscles of facial expression.  Fine wrinkles are better removed with good skin care, chemical peels (micro peels and Blue Peels) or laser resurfacing.  Botox® is also ineffective for wrinkles around your mouth that are due to sagging cheeks. 

How does Botox® work?
Your brain sends electrochemical messages to your muscles making them contract and move. These messages are transmitted from a nerve to the muscle by a substance called acetylcholine.  Dynamic wrinkles, such as crow's feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles, are due to repetitive facial expression.  Weakening the muscles responsible for facial expressions can dramatically improve these wrinkles.  With Botox®, these muscles can be weakened without detracting from your facial expressiveness.

How Long Does Botox® Last?
Botox® results typically last about three to four months, although the range can vary from 2 to 12 months.

How does one administer Botox®?
Botox® can be injected in the office.  You may experience brief mild discomfort as you are being injected.  Following injection, recovery is immediate: you may place make-up and return to work immediately.  A few experience mild bruising which improves within a few days.  You will begin to see improvement in your wrinkles within 48 hours and continue to see improvement over the next 5 days.

Risks of Botox®
No negative long-term effects have been observed.  Very few short-term problems have arisen.  If Botox® is injected too close to your upper eyelids; temporary upper eyelid droop may result.  This droop can take months to improve. Injection of your forehead will diminish your ability to raise your eyebrows.  This is not a problem for most, but those with marked eyebrow droop may find that their droop worsens following injection.  Risk of allergic reaction is extremely small.  Women who are pregnant or any one who has nervous system diseases such as ALS or MS should not receive Botox®.