Just Relax With Botox®

By Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD

Visage Dermatology and Aesthetic Center

. http://www.visagederm.com/

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Just Relax With Botox®

Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure performed, with over three million injections of botulinum toxin having been administered worldwide in 2012. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery's 2005 Procedural survey the top five most popular procedures among men are Botox, hair transplantation/restoration, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and liposuction, in that order. It is understandable that Botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure in men as men tend to have strong glabellar (frown) muscles, causing them to look angry or to have a permanent scowl.

Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator. Neuromodulators (Botox and Xeomin) are a class of medications that change the way that messaging is conducted between nerves and muscles. The most popular medication in this class is botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is a purified protein derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum.

The medication blocks the release of the chemical acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the chemical that allows nerves to communicate with muscles and make them contract. When the chemical is blocked, the muscles are relaxed. If you start using Botox at a younger age, you'll need injections less often because attacking the fine lines early on will prevent future deep wrinkles from forming. The 20-somethings have caught on to this and are now some of the biggest consumers of Botox.

What's In It For Me?

When I use Botox in my practice, the ultimate result is to look refreshed as Botox can be used to give a brow lift in female patients. Also, forehead lines are treated with Botox to prevent that tired look. More mature patients are often concerned with the frown lines around the mouth. I also use Botox to treat excessive sweating in all age groups.

I get a few reluctant patients who are afraid to be “paralyzed” or who think Botox is poison. Remember, botulinum toxin is a purified protein. It is FDA-approved and safe safe enough to use in children with spasms and safe enough to use within the eye muscles. Botox is FDA-approved treatment for the temporary reduction of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in patients 18-65 years of age. Botox treatments may also be combined with a filler such a Juvederm or Belotero to optimize results. I relax the muscles with Botox and fill in the gaps or depressions with filler.

What Happens Next?

Botox is minimally invasive and non-surgical. It requires no recovery. Botox is administered through a few tiny injections, in less than 10 minutes. There is noticeable improvement within 4-7 days.

The appearance of the area between your brows and your forehead may continue to improve for up to 10 days. Visible results may last from 4-6 months. After that, you may be ready to return for a follow-up treatment.

There is a balance between the muscles of the face. If too much Botox is injected, one can easily lose the action of muscles of expression. However, if this muscular balance is maintained, by only injecting small doses into specific muscles, one can have a natural softening of unwanted lines and wrinkles without compromising facial expressions. There are side effects to any procedure ask questions and seek treatment from a qualified, experienced, physician. So just relax with a little Botox.