Is Botox Right For You?

By Misty Wray, MD

Maryland Eye Associates

. http://marylandeyeassociates.com

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Is Botox Right For You?

Botulinum toxin has been used to minimize wrinkles since 1990. In some patients it smoothes frowns and lines miraculously, but in others the price of eliminating wrinkles is a lifeless look and unnatural appearance. The art of good Botox treatment lies in predicting in every individual the precise response to a precise injection. Patients have to be made aware of the expected outcome, and offered a choice of treatment combinations, or alternatives if these are necessary.
For success, the correct muscle fibers have to be injected with the
correct dilution of Botulinum toxin. Botox works best for muscles in motion. Lines that are present at rest may not respond to Botox Cosmetic although they may be minimized. Botox Cosmetic works best for the frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal bands of wrinkles across the forehead and moderately for the lines around the eyes. For folds around the mouth, careful placement may give the desired results although the possibility of asymmetrical smile or inability to purse the lips exists.
When the medication is delivered to the desired muscle, muscle contraction is diminished thus decreasing the appearance of wrinkle lines. For individuals who have lines that are present when their muscles are relaxed, additional or alternative treatments may be discussed with your doctor. If your lines are fine and result from loss of skin elasticity, chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing may be the best options. In contrast, filler agents with fat, collagen or hyaluronic acid (Restylane) are the best options for the deeper lines.
You are first evaluated with a thorough review of your medical history, medications, and prior facial surgery. A detailed discussion of the facial lines and your desired outcome is reviewed. After topical anesthesia, a series of small injections are given to the treatment area. Most patients report little discomfort during the procedure. A response is usually seen within 3 to 5 days. The effects are temporary and will last 3 to 6 months. It is recommended not to repeat the injection sooner than 12-week intervals to prevent the development of antibodies to the Botox Cosmetic. Antibody development is related to both the frequency and concentration of the Botox Cosmetic.
Botox is contraindicated in neuromuscular disorders, myasthenia gravis, Eaton Lambert syndrome, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and allergy to albumin, pregnancy and infection. Local side effects may occur such as bruising, tenderness at injection site and headache. Undesirable side effects such as droopy brow, lid or peaked eyebrow can occur, but usually resolve before the desirable effects of Botox are gone.
Overall, Botox Cosmetic has been found to be extremely safe and useful alone or in combination with other modalities. Patient satisfaction is very high.
If you are interested in learning more about whether Botox Cosmetic is right for you, call your medical
doctor.