Botox® Injection
(Botulinum Toxin
Type A)
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 Botox
is a therapeutic muscle relaxing agent that works
at motor nerve endings (nerves that lead to the
muscles). Botox eliminates facial lines without
surgery. It is usually placed in areas such as
crows feet, forehead worry lines and the lines
seen between the eyebrows over the nose. Botox®
is not effective for all facial lines, just those
related to muscle action. Botox® is not a
permanent cure for wrinkles, but will help reduce
them while avoiding surgeries.
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The Consultation
Due to the nature of the simplicity
of Botox® treatments, there are very few steps other
than the actual treatments themselves. If you are interested
in receiving Botox®, Our nurse will educate you
on what to expect. The patient will need to inform the
Nurse of pregnancy, medications currently taken, or
if you are currently nursing. The nurse can often
administer Botox® on the initial consultation. Botox®
is used for both men and women.
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The Treatment
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Post-Treatment
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Botox is administered with a very fine surgical
needle into the desired facial muscle. One to
three injections are applied to each area. This
treatment is performed in the office, and is usually
quick and simple.
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You will not need any recovery time for the
Botox®, and might only feel minor temporary
discomfort.
You can expect to see results from Botox®
within five to seven days, and it should last
for three to six months.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Botox®?
Botox® is a novel
therapeutic agent derived from the bacterium, Clostridium
Botulinum. Also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, the
brand Botox® is produced in controlled laboratory
conditions and given in extremely small therapeutic
doses.
How does Botox® work?
Normally your brain sends electrical
messages to your muscles so that they can contract and
move. The electrical message is transmitted to the muscle
by a substance called acetylcholine. Botox® works
to block the release of acetylcholine and, as a result,
the muscle doesn't receive the message to contract.
This means that the muscle spasms stop or are greatly
reduced after using Botox®, providing predictable
and reliable relief from symptoms. Botox® is not
a cure. For many patients, however, its effects have
been dramatic - symptoms usually begin to dissipate
within a few days and the effects can last for approximately
three months. See Mechanism of Action for more information.
How long does the effect
last?
Given its unique mechanism
of action, Botox® offers sustained relief, dose
after dose over the course of long-term treatment. The
relief you will feel from a single treatment of Botox®
will normally be sustained for approximately three to
six months. You will notice a gradual fading of its
effects. At this point you will return to your doctor
for your next treatment. Usually, Botox® treatment
is required only three or four times a year. Symptoms
may vary throughout the course of the condition, and
so the degree of relief and duration of effect varies
from person to person. Consult your doctor, who has
special knowledge about how to achieve the best possible
results with Botox® for your individual case.
How long can I be treated
with Botox®?
Treatment with Botox® can
typically be repeated indefinitely. Botox® has been
used for over 10 years worldwide. Acceptable safety
in long-term treatment has been well established.
Is Botox® a new treatment?
Botox® has been used for
over 10 years in thousands of patients worldwide. The
American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Ophthalmology,
and National Institutes of Health have recognized Botox®
as a valuable treatment.
Is Botox® right for
me?
Ask your doctor if BOTOX®
is the right treatment for you. BOTOX® should not
be used during pregnancy, if you are nursing, or if
you are taking certain medications. Only your physician
can determine the best course of therapy.
The effects of BOTOX® may be increased with the
use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere
with neuromuscular transmission. Ensure that your doctor
is aware of any current medications you are taking.
If you have any questions regarding the use of BOTOX®
treatment, please consult your doctor.
What side effects may be
experienced when using Botox®?
All medications have some
side effects. With Botox®, side effects are usually
transient and mild to moderate in nature. Some people
notice temporary weakness of muscles or discomfort at
the injection site. Based on a recent study of Botox®
in the treatment of blepharospasm (n=98), drooping of
the eyelid occurred in 20.8% of patients. Other side
effects may include eye irritation/dry eye/tearing/light
sensitivity (10%), and superficial punctate keratitis.
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