Botox, the injection of botulinum toxin designed to remove lines and wrinkles of the skin, is the No. 1 nonsurgical cosmetic procedure performed today, according to the "Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery." Before being approved by the FDA for use as an injected cosmetic procedure, it was first investigated for the treatment of muscle disorders of the eye.
Uses
The main use of Botox is for removing facial lines and wrinkles in the furrow between the eyebrows. Other areas of the skin with visible lines or wrinkles can also be treated. Some patients opt to have Botox injections on the forehead to reduce furrows there, at the sides of lips to eliminate lip lines and at the corners of the eyes to get rid of crow's feet.
How it Works
Botox is injected into the face or other areas of the skin where lines and wrinkles are evident. The botulinum toxin, derived from bacteria, enters the muscle and affects the nerves by preventing the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This keeps the muscle from contracting, which prevents it from causing the skin to wrinkle.
Results
Results from Botox treatments are always temporary, typically lasting three to five months. Patients usually see an 80% reduction in wrinkles after treatment, which is usually evident within one week after getting the Botox injection.
Side Effects
There are a few potential side effects that can stem from from Botox injections. One common side effect is for the area where the toxin was injected to have some redness or soreness for a short time. Headache and nausea are other potential side effects. The most serious side effect seen with injectable Botox is drooping of the upper eyelid muscle. All of these side effects resolve themselves within a few weeks or months. The FDA also warns of the possibility of the toxin spreading outside of the injected area, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition called botulism. However, this has never occurred in patients using Botox for cosmetic reasons, only in other off-label uses.
Warning
Botox procedures for skin care should always be performed by a qualified doctor. The specific choice of injection sites are not determined by where you see wrinkles, but by where the underlying muscle that affects those wrinkles lies. Also, the amount of toxin used is important and should be determined by the doctor performing the procedure.
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