Botox Cosmetic® is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum
bacteria. It has been used for wrinkle therapy since the early 1990's with no
serious side effects documented.
A small amount of Botulinum toxin is injected right into the muscles that are
responsible for creating wrinkles or undesirable facial muscle effects. This
treatment is quick and results usually last for three to six months. The toxin
temporarily inactivates the muscles that produce wrinkles, thereby causing lines
to disappear or diminish dramatically. It usually takes a few days after the injection
to notice the wrinkle smoothing effect.
Some of the common areas treated with botox include crow's feet, frown lines,
laugh lines, and forehead wrinkles. The toxin can also be injected to weaken the
muscles responsible for a "gummy smile", which can improve this appearance
dramatically. Injections into muscles that lower the eyebrow or corners of the
mouth can produce a form of temporary brow lift or lip lift.
After the first treatment, you may return for follow-up injections. Some doctors
report that after several treatments, the effect of Botox Cosmetic® appears to last
longer, often up to several months.
Complications from botox injections to the upper eyelid include occasional bruising
from the injection, and a temporary drooping of the eyelid, which rarely occurs after
frown line injection. The injected medication is used in extremely small amounts
and does not spread throughout the body so you can return to full activity
immediately.
Botox Cosmetic® can be used by almost anyone, however, patients who are
pregnant, breastfeeding or who have a neurologic disease should not use it.
New uses for Botulinum toxin include reduction in sweating of hands and armpits
(hyperhydrosis) and relief of headaches.