What is Botox Cosmetic?
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Botox is a highly purified muscle-relaxing agent derived from the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum.
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It also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A and belongs to a group of drugs known as neurotoxins.
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In 2003, Botox Cosmetic received approval by the FDA for cosmetic treatment of the wrinkles between the eyes. Although that is the only FDA approved indication, most physicians use Botox Cosmetic to treat wrinkles in many other parts of the face. However, such treatments are considered an off-label use.
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Botox Cosmetic injections are the most common cosmetic procedure performed today.
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Botox Cosmetic causes a temporary relaxation of the muscle into which it is injected. It prevents muscle contraction.
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Normally, the motor nerves in the body stimulate the movement and contraction of specific muscles. The nerve sends a message to the muscle to contract by releasing a substance known as acetylcholine. When acetylcholine is released from the nerve into the adjacent muscle, the muscle receives the message to contract.
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Botox Cosmetic enters the nerve ending and blocks the release of this acetylcholine. Consequently, the muscle does not get the message to contract and is temporarily paralyzed.
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Years of muscle contraction will cause permanent changes in the overlying skin leading to creases and wrinkles.
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Botox Cosmetic softens or prevents creases by limiting the ability of the underlying muscles to contract.
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Botox Cosmetic is most commonly used to treat the creases between the eyebrows caused by frowning, the creases across the forehead due to raising the brows, and the crows feet that develop from smiling.
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The use of Botox Cosmetic is also extending to the lower third of the face. Although this is not as common as use in the upper third of the face, Botox Cosmetic is being used to treat wrinkles around the lips, decrease deep nasolabial folds, soften prominent neck bands, and lift the downward turn of the corner of the mouth that occurs with aging.
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It should be noted that Botox Cosmetic is only FDA approved for cosmetic treatment of the wrinkles between the eyes,
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Generally, Botox Cosmetic is very useful in the upper one-third of the face, and a combination of Botox Cosmetic and soft tissue fillers are useful in the lower third of the face.
How is it done?
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A small needle is used to inject a tiny amount of Botox Cosmetic into the muscles that are causing the wrinkles. Several injections are given per specific muscle.
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There is a slight stinging sensation that lasts a few seconds after the injection. Ice is helpful with the discomfort.
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It takes approximately 3 -7 days for the Botox Cosmetic to begin working. The full effect of Botox Cosmetic is normally seen after two weeks.
How long does the effect of
Botox Cosmetic last?
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Each individual’s response to Botox Cosmetic depends upon their own metabolism of the drug. In general, the therapeutic effect of Botox Cosmetic will last approximately 3 months. Consequently, most people require Botox Cosmetic injections approximately 4 times per year in order to maintain its effect.
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Complications are rare but may include relaxation of other nearby muscles, headache, local numbness, rash, and bruising.
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If injected for the wrinkles between the eyes or along the forehead, Botox Cosmetic may cause a temporary drooping of the eyelid or the brow by relaxing part of the muscle that normally elevates the upper lid or the brow.
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Active inflammatory skin reactions such as herpetic blisters, rashes, or hives in the area to be injected necessitate postponing Botox Cosmetic injections until the condition has resolved.
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Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy need to speak to their physician prior to receiving Botox Cosmetic treatment to ensure their safety in doing so.
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Women, who are pregnant, attempting to become pregnant or breastfeeding, should avoid Botox Cosmetic since its safety during these conditions has not been established.