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.

For reasons not fully understood, some patients may be less sensitive or “resistant” to the effects of the toxin.

If you are pregnant, or breast-feeding Botox® treatments are not recommended. If you are currently taking aminoglycoside antibiotics or penicillamine, you need to discuss with the doctor. Be sure to list all medications, including non-prescription and alternative medications that you are currently taking, or have taken in the past month.

There are alternatives to this therapy for wrinkles, including no treatments, topical cream treatments, chemical peels, laser peeling, surgical face lifting and surgical destruction of the muscles involved in the formation dynamic lines. Because Botulinum therapy for wrinkles is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not pay for treatment. Payment at the time of service is requested for all patients. You will be given a price quote before your treatment. We request a 48-hour cancellation for all scheduled appointments.

How Does Botox® Work?
Botox® injections can dramatically reduce your frown lines.
Movement of the brow muscles causes the skin to crease. As the skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning creates visible lines and wrinkles.
Botox® injections relax the muscles by blocking nerve impulses. Once the muscles are at rest, the skin becomes smoother, creating a more natural and relaxed appearance.

What to Expect from a Botox® Procedure
This is a simple 10-minute procedure consisting of a few tiny injections. There is no anesthesia required, although you may be advised to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting.
Discomfort is minimal and brief; most clients compare the sensation to a bug bite. There may be slight temporary bruising at the injection site(s), which can easily be covered up with makeup.

You can resume normal activity immediately after the procedure.
You will see a marked improvement within days that may continue to improve for as long as a week; with moderate to better improvement in 30 days. For many clients, Botox® virtually “erases” these lines.
The effects of treatments can last up to 4 months.
With Botox®, you will not look “like you’ve had work done”. You can still frown, smile or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases.

Is Botox® safe?
Botox® is safe and effective. The most common side effects are headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea.
Botox® injections are contraindicated in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with know hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation.

Botox® is administered at very low doses, and the effects are usually confined to the injected area(s); it does not travel throughout the body.
These treatments are not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

There are also some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter/herbal preparations, that are not recommended with Botox® treatments.