Botox

Botox

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism.  BOTOX® Cosmetic is used to treat permanent creases and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines.

In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines.

BOTOX Cosmetic is used to treat the following:

  • Forehead lines
  • Frown lines
  • Crow’s feet
  • Skin bands on the neck
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of axilla, palms, soles and forehead

How Is a Botox Procedure Performed?

Using a very fine needle, BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines with only minor discomfort.  Getting Botox takes only a few minutes and no anesthesia is required. It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect and it is best to avoid alcohol at least one week prior to treatment. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped two weeks before treatment as well in order to reduce bruising.

Who Should Not Receive Botox?

 Botox should not be used in pregnant or lactating women, individuals with neurological disease or those who have had a previous allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients.

How long Does a Botox Injection Last?

Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment and the effects from Botox will last four to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.

What are the side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections. Injection-site side effects may include:

  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising

 Medical Botox For Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Normally, the body produces sweat to regulate body temperature. Sometimes, the nerves that control the sweat glands become overactive and excess sweat is produced. This can have a significant impact on self-confidence and can affect your quality of life. Botox® blocks the communication between nerves and sweat glands.

In 2004, the FDA approved BOTOX for the treatment of excessive sweating of teh underarms in patients unable to obtain relief using  antiperspirants.  The areas that can be treated by BOTOX® are: underarms, palms, soles, scalp and forehead, and groin.  The reduction in sweating begins to take effect in the first few days, but it may take 7-14 days to reach full effectiveness.

Medical Botox For Migraines

Botox has also brought relief to many people who suffer from chronic migraines, and many patients are reporting success with its use.  Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraines, which means headache on 15 or more days a month.  Botox is not recommended for patients who experience fewer than 15 headache days a month. BOTOX is the #1 prescribed branded Chronic Migraine treatment; 2 million BOTOX treatments have been given to over 500,000 people with Chronic Migraine since FDA approval in 2010.  BOTOX prevents headaches and migraines before they even start—preventing on average 8 to 9 headache days and migraine/probable migraine days a month.