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What is Botox®?
Botox® is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium
botulinum bacteria. Although Botox® is a toxin, there
have been no serious side effects. This is because, for the
treatment described, it is used in extremely small amounts
and does not spread throughout the body.
How is Botox® Used?
A few drops of Botox® are injected with a tiny needle
into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When Botox® is
injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching
that area, and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle
weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles
gradually soften and often disappear.
Is the Injection Painful?
When Botox® is injected there is an initial minor sting
for a few seconds. When the injection is complete, there is
usually no discomfort.
Where can Botox®
be injected?
The most common areas for the use of Botox® are the frown
lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines,
and the crow's feet. On occasion, other areas may be treated
as well.
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Does Botox® affect
other facial expressions or create numbness?
Botox® doesn't affect the nerve, so there is no numbness
in the area of the injection. Also, the effect of the Botox®
is only in the immediate area of the injection. Therefore,
the muscles related to other expressions are unaffected.
How long does a Botox®
treatment last?
The effects of Botox® usually last three to five months,
at which time another injection is required. After several
treatments, the effects of Botox® may begin to last longer,
sometimes up to six to eight months.
How SAFE is Botox®?
Botox® has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology
for over 10 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over 6 years.
In the amount, the only possible side effects are temporary
and localized to the area of the injection.
Is the treatment for
everyone?
There are very few restrictions regarding Botox® treatments.
Patients who are pregnant or have a neurologic disease should
not be treated.
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