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What
is BOTOX®?
Botox
injections are a diluted form of botulism which is injected into facial
muscles to paralyze or weaken the muscles that form wrinkles. Last
year, the procedure was performed in the United States more than 1.6
million times, a 46 percent increase since 2000 and a 2,356 percent
increase since 1997.
The History of Botox
Botulinum toxins were first researched in the late 1960s to treat
neurological disorders. Botox was first approved by the FDA in 1989 to
treat eye muscle disorders (blepharospasm, uncontrollable blinking, and
strabismus, crossed eyes). In 2000, Botox was approved to treat
cervical dystonia (a disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder
contractions). As an unusual side effect of the eye disorder treatment,
doctors observed that Botox softened the frown lines between the
eyebrow.
FDA Approval
In April 2002, the FDA was satisfied by its review of studies
indicating that Botox reduced the severity of frown lines for up to 120
days and approved the drug. It is under review for approval to treat
brow furrow, migraine headache, chronic tension headache, upper limb
spasticity, juvenile cerebral palsy, and hyperhidrosis.
What kind of wrinkles do Botox
injections treat? Wrinkles that are caused by muscle contraction, such
as frown lines, crow's feet, forehead creases, and neck bands can be
safely and successfully treated with Botox.
What to
expect at your initial visit.
You will be asked to contract the
facial muscles (frowning, squinting) that affect the area to be
treated. This will help your surgeon determine the best location for
the botox injection.
The botox injection is normally
injected directly into the muscle with a tiny needle.
Results of botox injections are
normally seen within a few days. The results generally last 3-4 months
and require occasional touch ups.
There is generally no recovery period
after a botox injection. You can go directly back to your normal
activities.
The American Society for Dermatologic
Surgery makes these suggestions:
Ask questions and be informed about the benefits and risks involved
with botox injections.
Choose a medical setting using sterile
techniques. Necessary equipment should be available to respond to any
potential problems.
Avoid alcohol and remain upright for
several hours following the botox procedure.
Safety
and Side Effects.
Botox® is proven to be safe
and effective. Over the past 20 years, Botulinum Toxin Type A has been
evaluated in more than 200 studies. There are no documented systemic
complications associated with Botox® injections. Botox® has
been widely used for more than 11 years with over 1 million people.
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