It is not unusual for women to begin to notice the subtle first signs of aging in their late 20's to early 30's. The perfect smoothness that stared back from the mirror now reflects small imperfections. Nearly imperceptible sun spots, uneven skin texture, crows feet, dark under-eye circles and puffiness are a reminder of too much sun, lifestyle and genetics. Botox injectables have the power to make a dramatic difference.
Today, doctors are advising early treatment of these changes at the inception of aging while minor to reduce the appearance of or eliminate fine lines and to prevent new ones from forming. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons now look to Botox injections as a deterrent for expression lines and crows feet and for softening early fine lines.
Botox Cosmetic is onabotulinumtoxinA, specifically for injection it is sterile, vacuum-dried, purified botulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin protein complex. This prescription injectable works by blocking neuromuscular transmission by binding onto motor nerve terminals where injected. In cosmetic applications, this product is used to improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, called glabellar lines in adults over 18 years old, but less than 65 years old. These vertical lines are caused by contracting the muscles during concentration, squinting or frowning, which over time, become permanent, making the patient appear tired, angry or unapproachable. Botulinum toxin A is primarily used on the upper portion of the face.
The results of Botox are not instant and offer temporary improvements. The injection(s) is intramuscular, between the eyebrows for relaxation of the glabeller lines. Full effect is realized at the one month mark following the injection and then results begin to fade gradually to pre-injection appearance at about 4 months. These injections do not prevent normal facial movement. Full facial expression exists with lines smoothed. Patients may schedule at 4 month intervals for repeat treatment or as their preferences and budget allows.
It is important that the patient fully disclose any medical conditions and medications. Of particular importance in the use of Botox injections are diseases that effect the muscles or nerves, specifically, ALS (Lou Gerig's) and myastenia gravis. Any known allergies to botulism toxin, asthma and swallowing difficulties should be addressed with the physician. Medications need to be discussed, mainly if you have received any recent injectables and product administered, antibiotic injection, use of muscle relaxers, allergy or sleep medications.
This injectable product carries a warning regarding the potential for product migration to sites other than those treated. This serious event has never been confirmed in the cosmetic use of Botox at the correct dosage. The potential signs of migration could include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, generalized muscle weakness, hoarseness, garbled speech, difficulty breathing or swallowing or loss of bladder control.
Common side effects after injection are usually mild and may include localized swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising. There may be a slight "pinch" during injection. The injections available now contain a local anesthetic to diminish this slight, momentary discomfort. Appointments usually last 10 minutes with no downtime. Skin color and texture remains completely unaffected.
Only board-certified plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists and occulo-plastic surgeons who exhibit the highest standards of responsibility regarding patient safety, use of FDA approved product, combined with consistent results, qualify as expert injectors.
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