What is Botox®?

Botox® injections are a diluted form of botulism which is injected into facial muscles to paralyze or weaken the muscles that form wrinkles. Last year, the procedure was performed in the United States more than 1.6 million times, a 46 percent increase since 2000 and a 2,356 percent increase since 1997.

The History of Botox®

Botulinum toxins were first researched in the late 1960s to treat neurological disorders. otox was first approved by the FDA in 1989 to treat eye muscle disorders (blepharospasm, uncontrollable blinking, and strabismus, crossed eyes). In 2000, it was approved to treat cervical dystonia (a disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions). As an unusual side effect of the eye disorder treatment, doctors observed that Botox® softened the frown lines between the eyebrow.  

FDA Approval In April 2002, the FDA was satisfied by its review of studies indicating that Botox® reduced the severity of frown lines for up to 120 days and approved the drug. It is under review for approval to treat brow furrow, migraine headache, chronic tension headache, upper limb spasticity, juvenile cerebral palsy, and hyperhidrosis

Botox® is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed. In the year 2003 there were 2,272,080 botox® injections performed. What kind of wrinkles do Botox® injections treat? Wrinkles that are caused by muscle contraction, such as frown lines, crow's feet, forehead creases, and neck bands can be safely and successfully treated with Botox®.

Costs of Botox® Cosmetic Treatment $12.00 per unit.  The glabella (between the eyebrows) frownline generally takes about 20-25 units.  To do forehead, glabella and crows feet the average person will use about 60-75 units.

What to expect at your visit You will be asked to contract the facial muscles (frowning, squinting) that affect the area to be treated. This will help your surgeon determine the best location for the injection.

The injection is normally injected directly into the muscle with a tiny needle.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery makes these suggestions:

• Ask questions and be informed about the benefits and risks involved in the procedure.
• Choose a medical setting using sterile techniques. Necessary equipment should be available to respond to any potential problems.

Avoid alcohol and remain upright for several hours following the procedure.

Results of Botox® Injections Results are normally seen within a few days. The results generally last 3-4 months and require occasional touchups.

Recovery after Botox® There is generally no recovery period. You can go directly back to your normal activities.

Safety and Side Effects Botox® is proven to be safe and effective. Over the past 20 years, Botulinum Toxin Type A has been evaluated in more than 200 studies. There are no documented systemic complications associated with Botox® injections. Botox® has been widely used for more than 11 years with over 1 million people.

Before and After Photographs

 

Before	After
Before	After
Before	After
Before	After
Before	After
Before	After

 

Call 502-491-6789 for an appointment.