Cosmetic Uses for BOTOX®

BOTOX® and similar products work in ways that are quite simple really if you remember that the botulinum toxin paralyzes muscles. Used in miniscule quantities, the substance is injected into the target facial muscle and causes temporary paralysis.

 

 

Canadian ophthalmologist Dr. Jean Carruthers noted the benefits of this paralysis when the patients she was treating for eye twitches appeared to have a more relaxed look. On close observation, she noted that paralyzing the tiny muscles around the eyes eventually reduced frown lines.

 

Specifically, BOTOX® improved the vertical wrinkles that appear between the eyebrows with frowning. It also reduces those horizontal lines across the forehead that result in a worried or concerned look. Finally, BOTOX® injections work to relieve crow's feet - the tiny wrinkles that develop at the outer corners of the eyes from smiling and squinting.

 

Results are noticeable three to 14 days after injection. The paralysis is temporary, with some claiming that the effect lasts from two to five months, and others saying three to eight months. The procedure is safe enough though that it can be repeated after the effect wears off.

 

With age, skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles are caused by sagging more than by overactive muscles. BOTOX® can only do so much, and paralysis will not be an effective method for eliminating or minimizing facial wrinkles forever.

The search for the Fountain of Youth continues. But looking younger isn't the only reason to seek wrinkle-free skin. You know that others react to your appearance, and if facial wrinkles make you look worried, angry, concerned or disapproving when you're actually not feeling that way, they may interfere with your relationships. For example, if you're a kindergarten teacher with a severe look, these cosmetic injections may be just what you need to put on a friendly, relaxed and happy face.

One issue that's causing a lot of fuss is that BOTOX® is essentially a poison. With a sensation-hungry press, wealthy matrons and businessmen eager to have poisons injected into their faces to achieve a more youthful look are welcome targets.

 

But BOTOX® and similar products are used safely for medical uses, too. BOTOX® has been carefully tested through extensive clinical trials and it actually has very few side effects, particularly when compared with traditional cosmetic surgery. And, of course, the procedure is far less expensive than cosmetic surgery.

The second issue is that TV coverage of BOTOX® parties make the procedure look like those familiar home parties where women get together to buy everything from food-saver containers to candles and clothing. Since most people fear the pain of injections, watching participants tank up on white wine then go "under" the needle caused a national sensation.

 

In fact, BOTOX® parties have benefits. One, you have a natural support group, making it easier to observe cautions such as avoiding touching the injection sites and remaining upright for at least four to six hours after the procedure. Second, having the injections done in groups of 10 or more people can save money. An experienced physician can complete injections for 10 people in under an hour!

In clinical trials, some 5 percent of subjects experienced a condition called blepharoptosis,which causes drooping of the skin around the injection site. The condition appears about seven to 14 days after injection and goes away by itself in four to six weeks. Eye drops can be used to treat the condition.

 

Normal side effects include headaches, bruising at the injection site, flu-like symptoms and nausea. Difficulty breathing following the procedure requires immediate medical assistance.

 

People with a neuromuscular disorder, those who have experienced any type of cardiovascular disease and pregnant women should avoid using BOTOX®. In any case, be sure to check with your physician before undergoing treatments of this kind.

 

 

Allergan (n.d.). About BOTOX® Cosmetic. Retrieved September 25, 2002, from the Allergan Web site: www.botoxcosmetic.net/consumer/about_home.htm.

Botox Injections: Information and Resources (n.d.). Botox injections. Retrieved September 25, 2002, from the Botox Injections Web site: www.botox-injections-information.com.

BotulinumToxinFYI.com (n.d.). Is Botox right for you? Retrieved September 26, 2002, from the BotulinumToxinFYI.com Web site: www.botulinumtoxinfyi.com.

The Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery (n.d.). Non-surgical procedures: Botox. Retrieved September 25, 2002, from the The Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery Web site: www.csaps.ca/botox.htm.

Francis, B. (2002, April 30). Botox bash: FDA approval of the wrinkle remover leads to new type of party in Naples. NaplesDaily News. Retrieved September 26, 2002, from the Naples News Web site: www.naplesnews.com/02/04/neapolitan/d742779a.htm.

Neer, K. (n.d.). How Botox works. Retrieved September 25, 2002, from the How Stuff Works Web site: www.howstuffworks.com/botox.htm.

University of Miami Cosmetic Center (n.d.). Botox. Retrieved September 26, 2002, from the University of Miami Cosmetic Center Web site: www.derm.net/ed_pr_botox.shtml.