 The
cosmetic form of botulinum toxin A, known as Botox®
has become a very popular non-surgical injection
that reduces or removes emotionally caused lines
on a temporary basis. When Botox® is injected
into the skin, it temporarily immobilizes the
muscles that cause wrinkling and, at the same
time, gives the skin a smoother, fresher appearance.
The Injection:
The Botox® injection is a therapeutic muscle
relaxing agent that works to interfere with muscle
nerve endings. When the Botox® is in your
system, it blocks the signals to your muscles
that would normally tell them to contract. When
the muscles are not allowed to contract, the skin
will not be able to shift for a period of time,
thus smoothing out the skin covering the muscle.
The Procedure:
The wrinkles and lines that often appear on the
face are feared by many because they are the telltale
signs of aging. Muscle movement due to unconscious
emotional reactions causes the skin of the face
to shift and contort. As time passes, the shifting
of the skin through muscle movement causes the
skin to form lines, or wrinkles.
Most brow lines are formed by excessive contraction
of the two major muscles in the forehead, the
corrugator and procerus muscles. Before any treatment,
your doctor will determine where to inject it
by examining your capacity for moving these as
well as other muscles in your facial area. Location,
size and use of muscles always vary from person
to person.
When receiving Botox®, your doctor will administer
several tiny injections directly into the muscles
that cause lines to form on the face. When injected
into the face, Botox® acts as a freezing agent
to keep your muscles in place when your face would
normally move. By doing this, it reduces the formation
of worry lines and crows feet on the face, which
are mostly caused by the show of emotion.
Will Botox® Hurt?
This non-surgical procedure does not require
anesthesia, but your doctor may choose to numb
the area with either an anesthetic cream or a
cold pack prior to your injection. There is usually
minimal discomfort and it is very brief. There
is no need for down-time, most return to their
daily activities immediately following the procedure.
Side Effects:
Botox®, like any other medical injection
does have risks and potential side effects. The
most common side effects associated with Botox®
injections are: headaches, upper respiratory infections,
droopy eyelids, nausea and flu like symptoms.
The injections can also cause redness or irritation
of the skin, facial pain and muscle weakness.
The development of certain side effects depends
on where the Botox® was injected. All of these
symptoms are known to be temporary and most only
last for up to a few weeks but some can persist
for several months. It is important to talk to
your physician in order to learn all possible
outcomes so that you can feel completely comfortable
about this procedure.
Results:
Many see improvements of frown lines, forehead
wrinkles, and crows feet within days. Improvement
can continue for as long as a month and usually
lasts for up to four months. This procedure is a safe and effective way to
minimize facial lines caused by unconscious displays
of everyday emotion. Botox® has proven to
be a completely safe and reliable way to relax
the muscles and allow for normal movement, while
at the same time smoothing skin lines and wrinkles.
Botox® is not a permanent cure but it can
lead to younger, smoother, healthier looking skin. |
