About Botox®
Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox®) has been used since the mid 80's with virtually 100 percent safety to relieve painful muscle spasms (blepharospasm) and crossed eyes (strabismus). In the past few years, Botox® has been used to treat migraine headaches and even embarrassing sweating.
The most exciting use of Botox®, is improving or even erasing the most obvious signs of aging. Botox® has been used to minimize wrinkles since 1990.
Botox® allows individuals to age gracefully while looking their best. With no significant side effects and little recovery time, the safety of Botox® is unparalleled.
Botox® was FDA approved April 15, 2002.
Mechanism of Action
Botox® blocks neuromuscular transmission by binding to acceptor sites on motor nerve terminals, and inhibiting the release of acetykholine. Botox® produces partial chemical denervation of the muscle resulting in localized reduction in muscle activity. The relaxation of the muscle results in smoothing of the overlying lines and wrinkles in the treated area.
Therapeutic doses of Botox® are extremely small, allowing treatment to be very specific and making systemic side effects unlikely. In addition, Botox® acts in a selective and reversible manner.
Most patients treated with Botox® can expect to see a reduction in the appearance of their wrinkles within 3 to 5 days others may take up to 2 weeks. Generally, the Botox® peaks at about 2 weeks and the results should last approximately 3-4 months.
Areas Commonly Treated For Cosmetic Purposes Include:
- Crows Feet (periocular wrinkles)
- Vertical (glabellar) Frown, Between the Eyes
- Horizontal (Frontalis) Frown, Forehead Wrinkles
- Pebbly Chin
Non-Cosmetic Indications Include:
- Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
- Migraine Headaches
Safety Issues
Studies indicate that there have been no long term complications or hazards with its use. Even with repeated use of Botox®, no permanent changes to the muscle have been observed.
There have been no reports of systemic reactions with the use of Botox®.
Botox® is packaged in vials that each contain 100 units of the drug. The lethal dose is 3,000-3,500 units or 35 vials. An average cosmetic treatment with Botox® is only about 30 units.
Pregnant and nursing women should not receive Botox®.
Botox® should not be given to individuals with Anyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, or Lambert Eaton Disorder.
The most common adverse reactions were headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, eyelid droop, and nausea.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
- Avoid alcoholic beverages (within 24 hours of treatment)
- Avoid Anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen, motrin, advil, aleve, etc.), asprin, vitamin E, and Ginkgo Biloba one week prior to treatment, in order to reduce possible bruising.
Post-Treatment Instructions
- Do not lie down for 3-4 hours after treatment
- Facial exercise in the area of treatment is recommended (frown/smile for one hour)
- Avoid manipulation of the ear for 4 hours