One of the most poplar procedures for rejuvenating the face involves the use of Botulinum A Toxin (BOTOX®). This medicine is the same medicine that can cause food poisoning. However, used in very tiny amounts, it has created many relaxed and happy people.

BOTOX® was originally characterized for the treatment of eye muscle spasms. An ophthalmologist working with the originator noticed that the wrinkles in the skin overlying the sites injected with the medicine had relaxed. She, along with her husband, a dermatologist, opened the door for today's cosmetic use of BOTOX®. It has been used effectively and safely in numerous FDA-approved muscle spasm disorders. The FDA is poised to clear BOTOX® for the correction of wrinkles. It is currently being used in an off-label, yet perfectly legal manner.

Overactive facial muscles around the eyes and lower forehead may give a person an angry, tired, or displeased appearance - even when they are not experiencing that emotion. Professional use of BOTOX® can lead to a more relaxed, yet expressive face. It typically lasts from 2-5 months, and requires regular treatment. However, regular use will prolong the interval by keeping the muscles weak. Additionally, not being able to make particular lines helps people "fall out of" the habit of making them.

New Uses

As we age, we tend to go downhill…literally. One of the most difficult-to-treat areas is the neck. Most people would prefer to avoid surgery in this area and BOTOX® can help. The cords or bands that protrude from the neck tend to sag with the aging process and pull the neck down. Certain patients can get significant lift with BOTOX® injection into these neckbands. When these muscular bands are relaxed, unopposed upward muscular movement raises the neck, giving the appearance of a lift. Differing results will be obtained based on personal anatomy.

Marionette lines, those lines that go down from the corners of the mouth to the chin are also difficult to treat. Small quantities of BOTOX® injected along the jaw line can effectively raise the corners of the mouth by again allowing unopposed upward muscular movement to raise them.

Procedure

In a simple office procedure, the toxin is injected using a fine needle in the overactive muscles. The muscle function becomes weakened, eliminating part or all of its function. Long standing skin creases will soften and may eventually disappear. The result is a softer, more relaxed and pleasant appearance.

The procedure takes about 10 minutes. You may return to work immediately; however, you should avoid exercise for 4 hours or massaging the area to limit any possible spreading of the medicine.

The effects take several days to develop. Once the muscle function is impaired, the results will last 3 to 11 months. In some cases the initial therapy will not be totally effective and the treatment may need to be performed again. Most patients require less frequent injections over time as the muscles "retrain" or weaken from disuse.

Possible side-effects

The most common side-effects can include mild swelling at the injection site, headache, localized numbness, bruising, rash, and temporary loss of function of a nearby muscle (e.g. drooping lid).

If you are looking for an easily performed, noninvasive effective therapy for lines and sagging skin, consider BOTOX® injections.

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