Botox / Muscle Relaxant Injections

Botox is a purified protein toxin produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. Although Botox is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. It is used in extremely small amounts in local areas and does not spread throughout the body. An appreciated but little known fact about Botox is that it was initially approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for injection into the delicate eye muscle of patients with crossed eyes (blepharospasm). It has since been safe and effectively used since 1989. This treatment has proved successful for both men and women.

1. How is Botox used?

A few drops of Botox are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. This blocks the nerve impulses from stimulating the muscle and as a result, the muscle relaxes. As the muscle stops contracting, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles in the skin soften. Botox is a safe and effective purified protein toxin, which blocks impulses from the nerve in the tiny facial muscles that help contribute to more wrinkles. After the treatment, the wrinkles relax along with the muscles while the surrounding untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion. This allows normal facial expressions to remain unaffected.

2. How safe is Botox?

For over 12 years Botox has been used safely and successfully in Occuloplastic surgery and for wrinkle therapy. Since Botox is not permanent, possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area injected.

3. How do I prepare for this procedure?

First, our doctor will take a complete medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment with Botox. We will then perform a complete facial examination to determine which areas of your face may benefit from Botox. Botox can only treat wrinkles caused by muscular contractions (dynamic wrinkles). Some facial lines and wrinkles (Passive wrinkles / deep expression lines) can only be eliminated by fillers / chemical peeling / re-surfacing.

4. Where can Botox be more effective?

The most common areas are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet. On occasion, some other areas may be treated as well like underarms for patients suffering from hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating).

5. Will it give me an artificial appearance?

Treatment with Botox produces a more youthful and rested appearance, doing away with the lines that form around the upper part of the face. When performed properly, it does not produce an artificial appearance.

6. Is Botox painful?

There is a small pinch for about 5 seconds. We use tiny special needles to minimize discomfort. Most patients tolerate this quite comfortably. Cold compresses and anesthetic cream can be used to numb the skin.

7. Who carries out the procedure?

The procedure is carried out by our dermatologists.

8. How long does the procedure take?

Botox treatments generally take between 10 – 30 minutes depending on the number of areas to be treated. You will be asked to return at the end of 2 weeks post treatment for a review of the results and if needed a top – up.

9. Can I return home the same day?

Yes. Treatment with Botox is a very simple procedure, which allows you to return home immediately after your procedure.

10. Are there any limitations on my activity?

Following treatment with Botox, people can usually return to their normal activities. The only restrictions are that they should not have a facial massage or any other activity which may apply pressure to the face for 24 hours.

11. Can I use make-up immediately after treatment?

Make-up can be applied immediately after Botox and patients may resume their activities. There can be a small area of swelling at the injection sites which typically resolves in 1 or 2 hours, if it occurs.

12. What is the recovery time for Botox?

Botox may leave a red mark for a few minutes where administered. The mark disappears by the time you return to work from your lunch hour.

13. How long does a Botox treatment last?

Allergen, the manufacturer of Botox, states the effects last about 3 months. We have found the effects to routinely last 4 to 6 months. Our patients usually return a couple of times (2 – 3) a year for their maintenance treatments. After several treatments, the effects may begin to last longer, sometimes for up to 8 months with skilled hands and experienced application.

14. Am I candidate for Botox?

Yes, if you have furrow between eyebrows, horizontal wrinkles on your forehead, crow’s feet around your eyes, a constant angry look or appear stern or too serious or you don’t like the way you look in pictures.

15. How long does it take to see the results from Botox?

Muscle weakening does not begin until at least 1-2 days after treatment, but sometimes takes as much as 12 days. The results are usually seen 7 – 10 days post treatment.

After treatment

• Please refrain from touching the treated area for 3-4 hours.
• Remain upright for 3-4 hours.
• Do not have facial massage or electrical stimulation to the face for 72 hrs.
• Do not overstretch, bend or kneel excessively for 2 weeks following treatment.
• Do not fly for up to 72 hours after the treatment.
• Muscle weakening does not begin until at least 1-2 days after treatment, but sometimes takes as much as 12 days.
• After cosmetic treatment, the effects of Botulinum toxin usually persist for about 4 – 6 months before muscle activity is gradually resolved.
• It is recommended that you come back for more treatment at the first sign of muscle re-activation.