Botox Cosmetic
Botox® is the trade name for one brand of Botulinum Toxin Type A. Myoblock is a brand of highly purified Botulinum toxin type B. Dysport is another brand of Botulinum Toxin Type A and is currently used throughout the world; (however, it is not yet approved for use in the U.S). Clinical trials have shown that Dysport brand of Botulinum Toxin lasts longer and costs less than Botox® or Myoblock.
The use of Botox® brand Botulinum Toxin has been recently approved by the FDA for treating wrinkles in the glabellar area. This therapy involves injecting small amounts of the toxin into the facial muscles responsible for movement associated with lines and wrinkles. This injection weakens or paralyzes the muscle, thus reducing the associated lines and wrinkles. The most common areas that this therapy is used are the lines between the eyes, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, necklines, and on occasion around the mouth. This therapy is temporary meaning it has to be repeated on a regular basis to maintain the results. The weakening effect gradually begins over 3-5 days, and is not complete for 2 weeks. Therefore, optimal results are not seen for at least 2 weeks, and sometimes longer. During this period, you may notice asymmetry, or unevenness, within the treated areas. This asymmetry will usually correct itself as the toxin takes effect.
For maximum results it is recommended that you maintain an upright posture for at least 4 hours immediately following treatment. During this time it is also recommended that the treated area not be rubbed vigorously or massaged. You may wish to actively flex and relax the treated areas during this time, as this may help to increase the response of the targeted muscles.
There are no known permanent side effects of Botulinum for wrinkles. There are, however, several well-documented side effects that are temporary. These include the following:
Muscle weakness: a flu-like syndrome or the development of antibodies to Botox®. Serious or long lasting effects are very rare.
Bruising: May occur at or near the injection site. This effect clears within 7-10 days. No treatment is necessary.
Headache: Related to the actual injections, is usually mild and transient, lasting less than 24 hours. May be relieved with Tylenol.
Asymmetry: As described above, may be noticed within the first two weeks of therapy. May be corrected with “touch up” injections, if necessary. There is a fee for touch up injections.
Numbness: Actually a change in sensation noticed by some patients in the treated areas, better described as a “dullness”, it is usually only noticeable for a few days after the procedure and resolves without treatment.
Eyebrow or eyelid ptosis (drooping) or diplopia (double vision): Seen in 1-2% of patients receiving this therapy. It is temporary but may last weeks, is usually mild and may be treated with prescription eye drops.
