 Minimizing
the Signs of Aging
The first signs of aging often appear as wrinkles around our eyes, forehead,
cheeks and lips. While wrinkles are normal, defining features of the human
face, they can sometimes falsely portray a tired or more aged appearance.
BOTOX® injections are used to treat facial wrinkles, restoring a
more youthful, rested appearance.
How do you get
Wrinkles?
We develop two types of wrinkles on our
faces:
Dynamic Wrinkles
We are born with dynamic wrinkles, which are associated with
the muscles we use for facial expression. As we continuously use
our facial muscles to smile, laugh and squint, mild wrinkles appear when
we are young, but they become deeper and more noticeable as we grow
older. The most common areas where we develop dynamic wrinkles are
around the lips, the corners of the eyelids (where the wrinkles are
known as crows' feet], between the eyebrows, and on the forehead.
These wrinkles often make people look older and more tired than they
actually are. BOTOX® can be used to treat these dynamic
wrinkles and make them less noticeable.
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Crepe-paper Wrinkles
Crepe-paper wrinkles are caused by sun expo sure and aging.
As we age or are repeatedly exposed to the sun, collagen (the protein
substance found just beneath and within the deep layers of the skin)
begins to thin, causing facial skin to stretch and sag.
Unfortunately, BOTOX® cannot treat crepe-paper wrinkles.
However, there are other procedures that may be used to reduce the
appearance of crepe-paper wrinkles.
How Does BOTOX®
Work?
Botulinum toxin (brand name
BOTOX®) is extracted from the bacteria Clostridia botulinum.
For years it has been used as a nonsurgical treatment for uncontrollable
facial spasms and disorders of the eye (such as misaligned eyes). Now
it is used as a safe and effective way to reduce facial wrinkles without
surgery.
BOTOX® is targeted
directly at the facial muscles that are causing dynamic wrinkles to form.
The BOTOX® protein injection blocks transmission from the nerve
ending to the muscle. As a result, the muscle relaxes, significantly
reducing the appearance of wrinkles and muscles on the skin above that
muscle. his blocking effect on the nerves usually lasts an average of three
to six months, at which time the muscle regains movement and wrinkles
reappear.
How is BOTOX®
Administered?
Using a very fine needle, your doctor injects the BOTOX®
directly into the targeted facial muscles. A topical anesthetic cream
may be applied to your skin to decrease the sensation of the injection; you
should discuss this option with your doctor beforehand. BOTOX®
treatments only take a few minutes and are given during a typical office
visit. You should be able to return to your normal activities
immediately.
The effects of BOTOX®-induced
muscle relaxation begin to occur within about three days. By the end
of the first week, you will probably notice a significant reduction of fine
lines and wrinkles around the treated areas. Repeat injections of
BOTOX® may be given after the effects wear off.
Are You a Good
Candidate for BOTOX®?
The best candidates for BOTOX®
treatments are people who are physically healthy, with no history of
neuromuscular diseases (such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis),
not pregnant or nursing, and who are at least 18 years old.
Some people who should not
have BOTOX® treatments include those with:
- existing weakness in the targeted
muscles
- ptosis (drooping eyelids)
- deep facial scars
- very thick facial skin
- marked facial asymmetry
- skin disorders around the planned
injection sites
You should inform your doctor
of your medical history and all medications, vitamins and/or herbal
supplements you are currently taking before having BOTOX®
treatments. It is important to remember that the level of improvement
in the appearance of wrinkles after BOTOX® treatments can vary
among patients. Some people respond better to BOTOX® than
others. Occasionally there is little improvement and another form of
treatment may be recommended. It is important to discuss your
situation and your expectations with your doctor.
Understanding the Risks,
Complications, and Side Effects
BOTOX® is a toxin
and can be potent in high concentration. Only small, diluted amounts
of BOTOX® are used in treatments to reduce facial wrinkles.
The most common side effects
are headache and temporary redness or bruising of the skin at the injection
site. Bruising appears to be more common in patients taking aspirin or
blood-thinning medicines. These medicines should be avoided if
possible for a few days before treatment. You should inform your
doctor of all medications you are currently taking before having BOTOX®
treatments. Occasionally, some people might experience temporary eye
irritation or tearing after BOTOX® treatments.
More serious complications are
rare but possible. There is a chance that non-targeted muscles could
be affected and weakened. This could cause drooping of the eyelid
(ptosis if BOTOX® seeps below the eyebrow and into the muscle
that controls eyelid function. Though the effect is not permanent and
will eventually go away as Borax wears off, drooping eyelids may temporarily
obstruct your ability to see.
In order to help reduce the
possibility of side effects, your doctor may recommend that you use
lubricating eyedrops, gel or ointment for a period of time after treatment.
You may also be instructed to:
- Sit upright and do not lie down for at
least four hours after treatment.
- Avoid pressing on or massaging the
treated area for four hours.
- Avoid exercising for 24 hours
following treatment.
Having Dr. Manning perform
your BOTOX® treatment will help to ensure the safety of your eyes
and your vision. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor with between
three to five years of post-medical school training in the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases and conditions of the eye. As an eye care
specialist, Dr. Manning is most familiar with all aspects of your eyes,
including the muscles and structures surrounding them.
Dr. Manning has been
providing BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments since 1995.
And over
time, those expressions leave their mark
upon your face. Until today there wasn't a lot you
could do about it. Today
there's BOTOX® Cosmetic. A simple, nonsurgical procedure that can
dramatically reduce even your
toughest wrinkle within days.
For answers to all your questions check out:
For
additional information check out the BOTOX® website at
http://www.BOTOX®cosmetic.net/consumer/consumer_landing.htm
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