Botox Cosmetic

Botox® Cosmetic

Botox is a naturally occurring product produced by bacteria. It has been used medically for the past ten years to treat blepharospasm (eyelid twitching). It was noted when these patients were treated with Botox, the surrounding crow's feet and wrinkles disappeared. Interestingly, the ophthalmologist's spouse was a dermatologist. Subsequently, Botox began to be used and tested for the treatment of facial wrinkles and lines.

Botox has been found to be extremely effective in the treatment of natural wrinkle lines that occur with aging. Crease lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging, resulting from a combination of three factors: 1) aging, 2) gravity, and 3) muscular action (the lines of facial expressions). Lines of facial expression include the crow's feet, lip lines, frown lines, and forehead lines. Over activity of the facial muscles can produce marked expression lines or wrinkles, such as the vertical wrinkles above the nose on the forehead. Injections of Botox can inactivate these muscles, causing the lines to disappear for periods lasting 4 to 7 months or longer and produce a smooth, wrinkle-free surface. Botox can also be used to create a new brow line or a more arched eyebrow. The effect of Botox is seen anywhere from 5 to 10 days after the injections and is not as immediate as the correction seen with collagen. Botox injections do require maintenance. Repeat treatments may be necessary anywhere from every 4 to 6 months. Interestingly, with continued treatment, the intervals between treatment sessions increase so that some patients require injections less frequently.

The dose of Botox will vary from patient to patient, and in general, small doses of Botox are used. The purpose is to not totally eliminate muscle movement but to markedly decrease muscle movement in order to reduce the wrinkles, but preserve some natural muscle function.

Dr. Caserio is a Platinum Level member of the Botox Cosmetic Physician’s Network and has served as a national trainer in the Botox Cosmetic Preceptorship Program since 2002.

Botox has been found to be totally safe and there have been no reported allergic reactions. There is occasionally some bruising at the site of injection, temporary headache and very rarely blurred vision. Occasionally a patient may develop transient ptosis (drooping of the eyelid). All of these side effects will resolve within a period of approximately two weeks. Visit www.BotoxCosmetic.com for more information.

In summary, Botox is an excellent treatment for facial wrinkles. It may well take years off your appearance. Other modalities can further be combined for a full facial rejuvenation. These include filler injections, laser, chemical peels, home care products, IPL photo rejuvenation, microdermabrasion, and many others. One or a combination of these programs may be appropriate for you. We encourage you to discuss this with the physician or aesthetic nurse.