Doctors Inject Botox & Patients Look Younger

Botox

Injection of Botox is the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. In 2006, over four million people in the U.S. were treated with Botox. The myth that people who get Botox are being injected with botulism is untrue.

The History of Botox

The bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, produces a toxin that contains seven serological types. Type A is the most potent and is marketed by Allergan as Botox. Type B is marketed by Elan Pharmaceuticals as Myobloc. Botulinum toxin types A and B have been approved by the FDA for various purposes.

• In 1989, Type A was approved for treatment of strabismus (crossed-eyes) and blepharospasm (a rapid blinking of the eye due to involuntary contractions of the eyelid).

• In 2001, Type A & B were approved for treatment of cervical dystonia (impaired or disordered muscle tone, characterized by slow movement or an extended, sustained spasm in a group of muscles).

• In 2002, Type A was approved for the cosmetic treatment frown lines between the eyebrows.

How Botox Works

The medical term for the action of Botox is selective muscle denervation. When Botox is injected into a muscle, using a very tiny needle, the toxin blocks the nerve impulses that would normally cause that muscle to contract. The resulting absence or reduction of muscle contraction leaves the skin smoother and lends a more relaxed appearance to the patient’s facial features. The clinical effects of a Botox injection become noticeable between five and ten days following injection. Over the next three to five months, the muscle gradually develops new receptor sites and is able to contract again. The effects of Botox are most noticeable in wrinkles that are only present when the muscle contracts.

Where Botox Works Best

Botox is used most commonly for reducing the appearance of frown lines between the brows, forehead furrows and lines at the outer edge of the eye, often called "crow's feet" ( a terrible name for what are sometimes called “laugh lines”). Botox can also be used for lines and wrinkles of the lower face or to decrease nostril flaring, although these practices are controversial due to risk of damaging important facial nerves.

Who Should & Should Not Use Botox

Patients who would be considered good candidates to receive Botox injections include:

• patients who show early signs of aging
• patients whose frown lines give them a tired, sad or angry appearance
• patients who desire but may not be suitable candidates for more invasive facial cosmetic procedures

It is very important to disclose to your Botox plastic surgeon all medications and supplements that you take, since the use of such medications as antibiotics, NSAIDS or aspirin and some vitamins and herbal supplements may increase bleeding and bruising at the injection sites.

Pregnant or nursing women should not get Botox injections. Any person with an infection at the injection site should delay treatment until the infection is resolved. There is also a greatly increased risk of serious side effects in patients with any pre-existing neuromuscular disorder, so these people should not receive Botox injections.

Risks & Complications

Most complications regarding Botox injections are temporary and risks can be minimized with proper injection techniques. The most common side effects of Botox injections include:

• temporary drooping of the eyelid
• nausea and headache
• localized pain, tenderness, or numbness
• infection
• inflammation and swelling
• redness, bleeding and/or bruising at the injection sites
• reduced blinking, which can lead to increased likelihood of corneal abrasion

Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after getting Botox injections, although there may be some unsightly swelling, bleeding, bruising or redness at the injection site. This usually lasts only a few hours, but may persist for a day or two in very sensitive patients.

The effects of Botox injections normally last from three to six months, with repeated treatments needed to maintain results. A small percentage of patients seem to not respond to Botox injections, seemingly demonstrating a resistance or immunity to the procedure.

Dangerous and even fatal reactions include cardiac complications and anaphylaxis (a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction). Thus, it is very important to inform your surgeon of any pre-existing medical condition.

Costs

Costs vary widely depending on where you live and the facial areas being treated. Costs also vary depending on the qualifications of the person who is administering the injections, whether it is a surgeon, nurse, medical assistant or clinical aesthetician. The average cost for Botox injections in the United States is between $375-$500 per area treated.

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