Botox and Fillers

allergan.ca

BOTOX
Contractions of delicate underlying facial muscles can cause dynamic or muscle pull wrinkles in the skin. These contractions can cause creases over the forehead, around the eyes and neck folds, and between the eyebrows. These dynamic lines can be significantly softened by the new use for an FDA approved drug called Botox.

How does Botox work?
Botox is a bacteria derived toxin that blocks impulses from the nerve which is responsible for the deep muscle pull creases to our minute facial muscles. In response, the undesirable creases fade away due to muscle relaxation. Post treatment, the overlying skin of the muscles maintains its smooth and unwrinkled appearance, while the untreated muscles continue to contract normally which allows for the sought-after facial expression to be unaffected.

What is involved in the procedure?
The use of Botox is quite safe and simple. A small amount of Botox is injected very precisely into the target muscle, with the use of a small needle. Due to the size of the needle, the pain associated with the treatments is minimal, and is often compared an insect bite. Although the actual injection of the Botox takes mere seconds, most individuals see results in three to four days. Botox is relatively painless, however there is a slight burning sensation as the fluid is injected into the target muscle. The procedure does not require local anesthetic or sedation and normal activities may be resumed immediately.

How long will Botox last?
Over a period of two to eight months, the Botox will wear off and the previous muscle action will resume. When the unwanted creases begin to reappear, another injection is all that is required to maintain the desirable result. To sustain this positive effect, normally the injections are required two to three times a year. After several treatments, the effects of Botox may begin to last longer.

What are the limitations of Botox injections?
Although Botox injections are effective in the treatment of various muscle pull creases, they are not effective for all creases, and the results are temporary. The injections are not useful in improving skin quality, such as texture changes and uneven pigmentation due to long term sun exposure, fine wrinkles, and sagging and redundant skin. Patients who are pregnant or nursing, or have a neurologic disorder should not be treated.

What are the potential side effects of Botox?
The following temporary side effects may occur, although they may not even be noticed by the patient. There is a slight chance of a bruise at the injection site; this bruising will fade over the course of a week. About 5% of patients develop temporary ptosis (which is a slight drooping of one eyelid or eyebrows). As well, temporary double vision is a possibility when crow’s feet are treated. Rarely, will an allergic reaction occur in response to the Botox solution. Dry eyes may occur in a very small (4.5%) number of patients which can be treated with eye drops. Tearing of the eye may result (3.4%), if weakness of the
lower eyelids occurs. A sensitivity to light develops in some individuals (1.4%). A rare, but possible side effect of the injection can be numbness in the target area.

Is Botox used to treat other conditions?
Treatment of muscle twitching (blepharospasm), sweating, and severe tension headaches can also be done using Botox injections. If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic options, or find out if Botox is right for you, please call our office and schedule an appointment for a free consultation.