Botox is an isolated neurotoxin produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. It was first isolated and linked to sickness in people who ingested contaminated meat at the start of the century. The toxin was first isolated chemically in 1940. The use of botox Botulinum toxin A was first used medically by ophthalmologists for patients suffering from blepharospasm, which was characterized by involuntary contraction of the orbicularis muscle around the eye.Over the past several years it has been used for the treatment of other spasms of the facial musculature. Clinicians noticed that these patients often received a passive benefit of the improvement from deep and superficial wrinkles of the face.
B Botox is an ideal adjunct for treatment of lines from forehead wrinkling, and facial musculature. The most common sites that we treat are forehead wrinkles, the furrows between the eyes (corrugator muscle), and crows feet around the eyes (orbicularis). Additional areas that have been described are treatment of platysmal muscle band (of the neck), and the use of botox for migraine headaches. The treatment of wrinkles with botox is highly effective. It usually takes several days and as long as one week before the maximum effects of the treatment are observed. The duration of the effectiveness can vary from patient to patient, and from injection site. The patients not only benefits from the action of Botox itself but also from breaking the habit of frowning, making the effects of treatment last longer. In general, the effect lasts approximately 3-4 months. Repeated injections are common, and may be performed after four to five months.
Patients who take daily vitamin E, daily multivitamins, anti-inflammatory medications, or aspirin, unless they have been advised not to stop these medications for medical reasons, should stop 10 days prior to receiving Botox. This will decrease possible bruising.
The procedure is relatively simple and presents the patient with minimal or no pain. If the patient so desires, he/she may take pain medications (no aspirin) approximately 1/2 hour prior to treatment. The entire procedure may take as long as ten minutes, after which the patient is discharged from the office.
The patient should keep his/her head elevated, for approximately 4-6 hours after treatment. The patient should avoid any heavy exercise, lifting, or physical activity as well as touching the area treated for 4-6 hours post injection.
Frequent stimulation of the muscle that was treated can only enhance the effectiveness of the procedure, and the patient is urged to perform this small exercise.
Patients who are pregnant or lactating should avoid treatment. Any patient with an underlying neuromuscular disease certainly should consult their treating physician before receiving Botox. Patients who have an allergy to human albumin and antibiotics should make the physician aware of their sensitivity.
