Botox

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, statistics rank Botox was the most requested non-surgical cosmetic procedure. Botox has been used off label for cosmetic purposed since the late 80’s with no significant side effects. Although often thought of as a “wrinkle cure,” it was originally used for problems relating to the eyes. It continues to be used medically by ophthalmologists and urologists, as well as other specialties.

Cosmetically, it has FDA approval for treating the glabellar lines, commonly known as the frown lines. It is also very effective at softening or erasing lines at the crow’s feet around the eyes and the horizontal lines in the forehead. When treating areas not yet approved by the FDA, it is termed “off label.” This practice is legal as long as the FDA has approved the drug for use.

What is Botox?

The concerns people have about Botox are related to their knowledge about botulism. It brings back memories of people dying of canned food poisoning in the 1970’s. What they don’t know is that previous botulism poisonings contained LIVE bacteria. Only a very small amount of a chemical secreted by the botulism bacteria is injected. Botox is a highly purified protein and contains no live bacteria.

How does it work?

Muscle movement or contraction causes the skin to wrinkle. When Botox is injected into a muscle, it prevents the muscle from receiving a message from the nerve impulse. The nerve impulse is telling the muscle to contract, but the muscle never gets the message. So the muscle “relaxes” and the wrinkles go away.

What are potential side effects?

Complications and side effects with Botox are infrequent. The most common complication seen with the use of Botox is upper eyelid and brow ptosis (drooping). Although not a desired effect, it is temporary and generally resolves in 2 weeks. Strabismus, diplopia, bruising, transient headaches, flu-like symptoms, discomfort, swelling, redness are all possible temporary side effects.

How long do the side effects last?

Results from Botox begin to appear in around 2 days and peak in approximately 1 to 4 weeks. The effects continue at this peaked level until about 3 months and then begin a steady decline.