Botox is a protein derived from the botulism toxin. It blocks the chemical reaction necessary for a muscle to contract. When injected into facial muscles, it will paralyze or weaken the muscles that form wrinkles. Last year, the procedure was performed in the United States more than 1.6 million times, a 46 percent increase since 2000 and a 2,356 percent increase since 1997.
The History of Botox
Botulinum toxins were first researched in the late 1960s to treat neurological disorders. Botox was first approved by the FDA in 1989 to treat eye muscle disorders (blepharospasm, uncontrollable blinking, and strabismus, crossed eyes). In 2000, Botox was approved to treat cervical dystonia (a disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions). As an unusual side effect of the eye disorder treatment, doctors observed that Botox softened the frown lines between the eyebrow.
FDA Approval
In April 2002, the FDA was satisfied by its review of studies indicating that Botox reduced the severity of frown lines for up to 120 days and approved the drug. It is also used to treat brow furrows, migraine headache, chronic tension headache, upper limb spasticity, juvenile cerebral palsy, and hyperhidrosis.
What kind of wrinkles do Botox injections treat? Wrinkles that are caused by muscle contraction, such as frown lines, crow's feet and forehead creases.
What to expect at your initial visit
At your initial consultation (complimentary), you will be asked to fill out a short medical history form. You will also be asked to contract the facial muscles (frowning, squinting) that affect the area to be treated. This will help us determine the best location for the botox injection. This assessment will also include a price estimate.
The botox is injected directly into the muscle with a tiny needle. Results of botox injections are normally seen within a few days, although some clients see an immediate response! There may be slight redness and swelling at the injection site. There is generally no recovery period after a botox injection. You can go directly back to your normal activities. It is recommended to stay in an upright position for 3 to 4 hours after the injection, and to avoid exercise for 24 hours.
The results generally last 3-4 months and require occasional touch ups.
Safety and Side Effects
Botox® is proven to be safe and effective. Over the past 20 years, Botulinum Toxin Type A has been evaluated in more than 200 studies. There are no documented systemic complications associated with Botox® injections. Botox® has been widely used for more than 11 years with over 1 million people. Rare side effects include infection at the injection site and drooping of the eyelid.