Botox

BOTOX® (a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria) has been used safely by ophthalmologists for years. It has been used for wrinkle therapy since the early 1990′s with no serious side effects documented. BOTOX® injections relax the muscles that create dynamic wrinkles thereby lessening frown lines, laugh lines and crow’s feet.

BOTOX® stands for Botulinum Toxoid. It is a medication used to temporarily paralyze muscle function. It was originally created to treat certain eye conditions, mainly crossed eyes. BOTOX® was found to relieve facial spasms and neck banding when injected at these sites. BOTOX® is injected directly into the frown muscle or the wrinkle area. Within 24 to 72 hours, the muscles will relax and the wrinkles and frowns should disappear. The frustrated, tired and angry look on the face will disappear and the patient should look younger with smoother appearing skin.

By effectively inactivating the muscles which produce the wrinkles, the lines disappear or diminish dramatically. It may take a few days to notice the wrinkle smoothing effect after receiving BOTOX® injections.

Common treatment areas include the crow’s feet, forehead frown lines and frown lines between the eyebrows. It only takes a few minutes to inject BOTOX® with results usually lasting three to four months. Some doctors report that after several treatments, the effect of BOTOX® appears to last even longer.

BOTOX® can be used in the majority of patients except for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or who present with neurologic disease.

There have been no reports of permanent damage caused by the injection of BOTOX®. Local bruising at the site of injection, side to side asymmetry or a droop of the eyelid may occur, however these are only temporary in nature. Since BOTOX® is used in extremely small amounts, it does not spread throughout the body so you can return to full activity immediately. It should be mentioned that fillers are often used in conjunction with BOTOX® in an effort to eliminate some of the more persistent lines.

New uses for BOTOX® include reduction in sweating of hands and armpits and relief of headaches. Treatment is priced within the $350.00 range and takes place in Dr. Van Wyck’s office, rarely requiring any anesthesia.