Botox is the brand name for Botulinum toxin type A which is the purified form of the toxin. The treatment is an increasingly popular non-surgical treatment for facial wrinkles and is the hottest rejuvenation trend of the new millennium! If the botulinum toxin is taken in large amounts by mouth, a form of food poisoning known as botulism is the end result. Botox is used cosmetically for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles by the injection of small doses into specific muscles to temporarily relax the facial muscles around wrinkles, making them less noticeable. Botox works by blocking the chemical signals responsible for muscle contraction. The relaxed muscles lead to flattening of the skin and hence a smoother less wrinkled appearance.

There are two categories of wrinkles: fine surface lines and deeply set furrows. They differ in structure and origin and respond to different types of therapy. Fine surface wrinkles are as a result of the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres due to aging and sun damage. Deeply set furrows are caused by the build up of muscles beneath the skin’s surface over time as a result of repeated facial expressions in pretty much the same way muscle is built through exercise. These deep furrows can show permanently or come about when facial expressions are made like “crows feet” showing up when a person smiles.

For the deep furrows and frown lines caused by the build up underlying musculature, treatment is geared towards softening and relaxing muscle contractions. Botox, derived from botulinum toxin, injected, can paralyse muscles that produce “frown lines” on the forehead, fine lines or “crow’s-feet” that fan out around the eyes and other wrinkles found in the upper zone of the face. Injections, which are required every three to six months, temporarily paralyse the muscles, smoothing out the overlying skin. Results are seen about two weeks after the injection is given. Other derivatives of botulinum toxin are Myobloc and Dysport. Possible complications of Botox use include, headache, respiratory infection, blepharoptosis (temporary eyelid droop), nausea and flu syndrome. Safety depends on the experience of the Physician. There are also less invasive topical creams that relax muscles such as Resolution D-Contraxol by Lancome, Avon Anew Clinical Deep Crease Concentrate and Protox 10.

Botox treatment areas include frown lines between the eyebrows and the bridge of the nose, forehead creases, crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes and thick bands on the neck. Not all facial wrinkles respond to Botox treatment as wrinkling as a result to excessive sun exposure cannot be treated this way. Muscles around the mouth are not usually treated with Botox because these muscles are required for eating and speaking.

There are three zones of facial expression most commonly treated with Botox. Zone 1 is the crow’s feet with both eyes forming a single zone; Zone 2 is the Glabella which has the deep frown lines between the eyebrows and Zone 3 contains the forehead lines. There is another zone that many doctors, including myself, shy away from. This is the area around the mouth as the treatment may lead to drooling from the mouth or the inability to smile. If treatment around the mouth is a must, minute doses are used.

Botox is also used for treating a variety of medical conditions such as eye muscle problems, muscle spasms as is seen in cerebral palsy, excessive armpit and palm sweating (hyperhydrosis), backaches and headaches. For excessive sweating, tiny injections are randomly given into the affected area to provide temporary relief. A large number of units are required to achieve dryness. Some researchers have found that treating facial scars early on with Botox may help improve the appearance of scars long-term.

Before scheduling a Botox treatment, you must meet with your doctor to determine if the treatment is right for you. A medical history is taken and your doctor will also take photographs to compare before and after results.

The procedure is simple, lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and requires no anaesthesia. Some doctors may apply an ice pack for a minute or two to minimize pain and reduce possible post-injection swelling and bruising. The doctor uses a tiny needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the affected muscles. The dosage and number of injections needed depends on factors such as facial features, ethnicity, extent of wrinkling and specific area of treatment. There is mild pain associated with the injections which is well tolerated by most individuals.

Botox injections require no down-time so normal activity may be resumed immediately. Any redness or bruising could be camouflaged with make-up or concealer. It is important to keep your face upright for the next 4 hours and not to rub or massage the injected areas for 5 days after treatment to prevent the toxin from migrating to different areas of the face which may lead to temporary weakness and drooping. Results are noticed in a few days and take full effect in about 2 weeks. The treatment lasts between 3 and 6 months at which time it should be repeated to maintain the results.

Botox injections are relatively safe when performed by a Doctor but side effects and complications such as bruising and pain at the injection site, headaches, flu-like symptoms, nausea, redness and temporary facial weakness or drooping may occur. Treatment of neck bands could be complicated with difficulty swallowing or breathing if the injections are given too deep or if a higher than acceptable dose is administered. There could be temporary paralysis of adjacent muscles in the eyebrows and eyelids leading to ptosis (drooping of the eyelids). This could last 3 to 6 weeks and prescription Iopidine eyedrops can help improve symptoms while waiting for the paralysis to wear off. Pregnant or nursing mothers and individuals with neurological problems should not use Botox. You must not use Botox if you are allergic to eggs because it is prepared with an albumin (egg) base.

Botox must only be used under a doctor’s care as it could be very dangerous if administered incorrectly. You should make sure that your doctor has experience with Botox treatments. Many individuals want to avoid having the plastic, expressionless face that excess Botox can create and an experienced Doctor can smooth out your skin without eliminating facial expression. Botox is available at the MedSpa @ Westpine Centre. Botox parties are popular in the Western world where a group of friends come together for Botox injections in a party like atmosphere.