What is Botox®?
Botox is a product of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that works by blocking nerve impulses. Initially identified as the cause of botulism, a rare paralytic illness often linked to food poisoning, it is now more recognized as a tool used in cosmetic medicine to treat moderate to severe brow furrow (glabellar lines), wrinkles, and facial creases. Botulinum toxin has been used for quite some time for many medical indications including muscle spasticity, esophageal problems, vocal cord abnormalities to name a few. Botulinum toxin is also used treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) , usually of the underarms or hands.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works to relax the contraction of muscles by blocking the passage of neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are molecules released from a nerve ending that signals the muscle. The result is muscles that can no longer contract, and so the wrinkles relax and soften. It usually takes two to four days to see cosmetic improvement and the effects tend to last from four to six months. Most patients require retreatment to remove wrinkles and lines as they begin to reappear, but after each injection the wrinkles return as less severe as the muscles are trained to relax.
How is Botox Administered?
Botox procedures do not require anesthesia and usually take just a few minutes to perform. The protein is injected into the muscle using a fine needle in order to minimize discomfort and maximize accuracy. It is recommended that patients avoid alcohol for about a week before the procedure. In order to minimize bruising, patients should stop using aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications about two weeks before treatment. For cosmetic procedures, a study published in Dermatologic Therapy found that men need a higher dose of Botox than women.
Is Botox® better than a Facelift?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, whether Botox gives better results than a facelift (surgery) depends on the age of the patient. People in their 30s who have had limited exposure to sunlight usually show signs of aging in their eyes and temple area first, with crow’s feet and some bulging of the eyelid. As they have not lost much volume at this point, fillers or Botox usually smooth out the lines that people want to get rid of. When people enter their 40s the middle of the face starts to shift as the cheeks lose some of their fat and laugh lines set in. The cheeks become deflated towards the end of the 4th decade, and the jowls start to sag. A combination of Botox as well as minimal lifting procedures will provide the best results.
Are there Risks with Botox®?
The most common side effect of Botox injections is temporary bruising. Other possible side effects include: Headache, Respiratory infection, Blepharoptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), Nausea, Indigestion (heartburn).
Why have your Botox® done at Refine Plastic Surgery?
Key ot the results of any facial procedure from filler to Botox is knowledge of anatomy of the whole face. Botox can be more accurately placed and more effective when performed by the experienced staff at Refine Plastic Surgery.