Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox treatment is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe wrinkles. Botox treatment is most often used on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eyes) and frown lines. The average procedure for Botox may take from ten to twenty minutes. The Botox injections are administered with a very fine needle into specific muscle areas determined by the physician.
Botox was approved 1989 to treat several eye muscle disorders such as uncontrollable blinking and misaligned eyes. In the year 2000 Botox was approved to treat a neurological movement disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions, known as cervical dystonia.Through these treatments doctors started to recognize how the Botox was softening the lines between the brow and the forehead.
By 2002 the FDA was satisfied with the reviews that Botox reduced the severity of frown lines and wrinkles for several months, giving their approval to apply Botox for this kind of condition.
Botox Treatment for Wrinkles may also Relieve Migraines
The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery recently held a conference and reported that 75% of patients in a case study experienced four to six months migraine relief following injections of Botox in their face and forehead. Richard Glogau, MD, USCF Professor of Dermatology reported in a small study of 24 patients that this report adds weight to previous reports that botulinum toxin A can relieve headaches.
Nonsurgical and No anesthesia. Botox is injected into specific muscles around the area in which wrinkles persist. Botox serum is contained in vials, and different areas of the face and severity of the wrinkles usually determine how many vials it may take for a full treatment. An experienced physician can usually estimate the amount of vials prior to usage.
Once the botox injections are complete the effects usually last from four to six months. It generally takes three to seven days for the injections to take full effect and you must avoid drinking alcohol for one full week. Anti-inflammatory medicines and aspirin must be stopped at least two weeks prior to treatment (reduce bruising).
As muscle action slowly returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and eventually need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.
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Am I a Candidate for Botox Treatment?
Generally the best candidates for Botox treatment are people who have wrinkles in their face and neck. An initial consultation with your physician should determine if your an ideal candidate i.e. knowledgeable about the procedure, in good physical and psychological health, realistic in your expectations, and obviously wanting to improve your appearance.
How Is the Botox Treatment Performed?
Botox treatments are short and simple. On average 30 - 50 minutes sitting in a chair. Sometimes the skin is first treated with a topical numbing agent. Secondly, a small amount of Botox serum is strategically injected into parts of the face. Super fine needles are used.. see the illustration on the Mesoptherapy page.
What are the Side Effects of Botox?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping, which usually resolves itself within a few weeks. This is usually caused by the migration of the Botox. There have been no reported allergies to Botox injections.
Is Botox Right For Me?
Botox treatment has been proven to smooth facial lines. Botox is approved for treating many types of skin problems as well as treating Migraine Headaches, Excessive Sweating, Crow's Feet, forehead lines, and much more. Its FDA approved and it works.
The next step would be to find a physician ... Find a Botox Specialist by checking with safety guidelines. Referrals go a long way, however if you are unfortunate not to know someone who had Botox treatment, then you should have a checklist prior to searching for the qualified physician that's going to make you look younger and healthier for a very long time.
Checklist and Safety Guideline for Finding the Right Physician for your Botox treatment
Credentials - Selected physicians should be certified members of the American Society for Anesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Hospital Privileges - Cosmetic plastic surgery is often performed outside the hospital in an office-based surgical facility. Wherever the surgery is to be performed, selected surgeons should have hospital privileges to perform the specific procedure in an acute care hospital. Basically, do not have botox administered in someone's basement. Be smart, it's your health and you want this done right the first time.
Atmosphere - Faculties that provide Botox treatments should be visited in advance. Check out the atmosphere and ensure the operation is in a clean environment, perhaps a busy office with numerous patients can be a positive suggestion.
Ask questions - Make sure you're fully aware of the procedure, cost and side effects.
A Botox physician should be able to assess the amount of Botox serum according to your physical shape and extent of your quest. Costs of $300 to $600 per session are some of the numbers I had found during my quest. Second and third sessions are usually cheaper.
Forehead Lines - Depending on the severity of the lines, this treatment usually takes one treatment with a follow up in one year.
Frown Lines - These lines are between your eyes and this muscle gets a lot of work. Whether squinting, reacting, or even pondering, the frown lines are continually in motion. For this reason Botox treatment on the frown lines may take a second session within 6 months.
Neck and Chest - Wrinkles in the skin on the neck and upper chest may also qualify Botox treatments. Sessions will vary on the individual. However I found that Mesotherapy works better for me. Mesotherapy treatment, a Botox alternative, is like the fountain of youth for many people.
The overall effect of Botox is a relaxed smooth appearance resulting in a patient that looks and feels younger, healthier and Happy :)
Why Botox - It's a unique treatment because unlike other non-surgical wrinkle treatments Botox corrects the underlying muscle instead of the skin surface.
Botox - Fastest Growing Procedure in the Industry
According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) in 2001 more than 1.6 million people received injections. This was an increase of approximately 46% over the previous year. More popular than breast enhancement surgery and a potential blockbuster.
Botox is regarded by some as the ultimate fountain of youth.
Botox: Important Safety Information
There has been rare reports of adverse events involving the cardiovascular process. Hypersensitivity reactions are also rarely reported but should be discussed during the initial consultation. If you have a history of hypersensitivity episodes you should let the physician be knowledgeable of these instances.
Common adverse effects of Botox injections may include local inflammation, bruising, swelling, erythema, tenderness and some bleeding.
I Love Botox ...
