BOTOX

We all want to look our best. That’s not always easy, especially as forehead, eyes and frown lines start to develop. As these creases deepen they can make us appear old looking or angry, when in fact we actually feel quite content.  Botox helps eliminate these perpetual lines and frowning, and helps restore a more serene quality to our faces. Its use allows us to send others the right message, giving them a truer impression of how we feel.

Botox is the trade name for botulinum toxin type A, one of several different toxins produced by Clostridium bacteria. The bacterium itself is not injected.  The injected toxin is a protein manufactured by the bacterium, and when injected, it temporarily paralyzes the muscles underlying wrinkles, smoothing out the skin on top. It inhibits the nerve terminal, so that the muscle will not respond. You literally can’t frown after the treatment, but you don’t lose sensation or expression.  The nerve eventually sprouts a new terminal. Botox is successfully being used in areas of the face, neck, and body worldwide, and to date is safer than the origin suggests. 

Botox is given with such a tiny needle that there is minimal discomfort involved, but it is a needle. There can be a slight chance of minimal and temporary bruising at the injection site. Other negative side effects can be eyelid drooping if the Botox seeps below the eyebrow and hits the muscle that controls the lid, BUT that is very rare. And, it’s probably related to the injection technique, and/or the placement or rate of injection. Prescription eyedrops can reverse the Botox effect for about six hours. Otherwise, the patient just has to wait until the nerve regenerates. But again, this is very rare. 

Botox injections cause almost no redness or swelling. Some mild bruising may occur. You may drive yourself to and from the treatments. It is recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol, strenuous exercise and laying down immediately after injections. All other activities may be resumed immediately afterwards.