As early as the 1950’s researchers discovered that they could smooth wrinkle lines by injecting an overactive muscle with small quantities of a toxin called Botulinum Type A. The injection decreased muscle activity by blocking the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which activates the muscle. The toxin injection kept the muscle from contracting for four to six months, making wrinkles less noticeable during that time.
Alan Scott, a San Francisco ophthalmologist, first used tiny doses of the toxin to treat strabismus and blepharospasm (movement disorders of the eye) Allergan, Inc., a pharmaceutical company that focused on prescription eye therapies and contact lens products, bought the rights to the drug in 1988 and received FDA approval in 1989. Allergan renamed the drug BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Botox showed its cosmetic potential when patients being treated for their eye conditions began noticing their wrinkles softening after treatment, The toxin that could help them with those conditions also stopped their muscles from forming wrinkles. This serendipitous discovery was made by Vancouver-based cosmetic surgeons and husband and wife team, Drs. Alastair and Jean Carruthers, who observed the softening of patients' frown lines following treatment for eye muscle disorders. Their research led to clinical trials and FDA approval for cosmetic use in April 2002. As of 2006, BOTOX® Cosmetic injection is the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States.
How does Botox work?
Small amounts of sterile, purified Botox are injected into specific muscles and muscle groups. Botox prevents nerve cells from signaling muscles to contract , which temporarily softens lines and wrinkles.
What are the medical applications of Botox?
1. Reduction of abnormal head position and neck pain.
2. Treatment of strabismus (crossed eyes) and spasms of the eyelids or uncontrollable blinking.
3. Treatment of severe underarm sweating.
4. Treatment of migraine headaches.
5. Gynecologic uses include relief of vaginal spasm causing pain on intercourse.
What are the cosmetic applications of Botox?
Botox can iron out wrinkles earned over years of repetitive facial movements, such as smiling and frowning, concentrating and squinting. In addition to treating the most popular complaints (furrows between the eyebrows, crow's feet and forehead lines), women in particular get botox injections to correct some imperfections of their lips and necks. Recently, botox has found yet another use: a "chemical brow lift" to restore the arch to falling eyebrows.
Is Botox safe?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered by physicians and is available only by prescription. When used properly and administered by a qualified physician, Botox Cosmetic is generally considered safe.
The most common side effects for Botox patients are temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.
Serious side effects are rare. According to Allergan which is the company that produces BOTOX: “Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely in BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
How does Botox work?
Small amounts of sterile, purified Botox are injected into specific muscles and muscle groups. Botox prevents nerve cells from signaling muscles to contract , which temporarily softens lines and wrinkles.
What are the medical applications of Botox?
1. Reduction of abnormal head position and neck pain.
2. Treatment of strabismus (crossed eyes) and spasms of the eyelids or uncontrollable blinking.
3. Treatment of severe underarm sweating.
4. Treatment of migraine headaches.
5. Gynecologic uses include relief of vaginal spasm causing pain on intercourse.
What are the cosmetic applications of Botox?
Botox can iron out wrinkles earned over years of repetitive facial movements, such as smiling and frowning, concentrating and squinting. In addition to treating the most popular complaints (furrows between the eyebrows, crow's feet and forehead lines), women in particular get botox injections to correct some imperfections of their lips and necks. Recently, botox has found yet another use: a "chemical brow lift" to restore the arch to falling eyebrows.
Is Botox safe?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered by physicians and is available only by prescription. When used properly and administered by a qualified physician, Botox Cosmetic is generally considered safe.
The most common side effects for Botox patients are temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.
Serious side effects are rare. According to Allergan which is the company that produces BOTOX: “Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely in BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
If you think you're having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, call your doctor immediately. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
How long do the effects of Botox last?
Generally, the effects take two to five days to appear. The effects can last as long as four to five months.
Make an appointment with Aesthetic Specialists of the Palm Beaches for a complimentary consultation. We are happy to assist you with your aesthetic evaluation and treatment.
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