:: Botox®

Botox®, the brand name of Botulinum toxin Type A, is a protein produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Used safely in medical applications for over twenty years, Botox treatments relax the facial muscles that create wrinkles, frown lines, laugh lines, and crow’s feet. A small amount is injected right into these muscles, causing lines to disappear or diminish dramatically.

A Botox treatment takes 15-20 minutes and lasts 3-6 months, after which you may return for a follow-up injection. Some doctors report that after several treatments, the effect of Botox appears to last longer with each injection.

Candidates
Botox can be used by almost anyone. However, patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding are not appropriate candidates. Botulinum toxin treatments are also contraindicated for those who have a history of any neuromuscular disorders such as Eaton Lamperts Disease and Myastenia Gravis.

Common indications for treatment include:

• Frown lines
• Forehead wrinkles
• Crow’s feet or laugh lines
• Fine wrinkles around the lips
• Muscle bands in the neck
• Treatment of excessive sweating in the armpits
• Decolletage

Risks and Complications
There are few risks involved with a Botox treatment. Less than 5 percent of patients may experience a slight, temporary heaviness of the eyelid which normally corrects itself after 2 weeks. There may be temporary bruising at the site of injection but this can be covered with make-up. Because Botox is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body, there is no danger of developing botulism. Patients are able to resume normal activity but must refrain from exercising or facial massages for 4 hours after a treatment.

Cost
The cost of a Botox® treatment depends on the number of units used per area treated. The cost typically ranges from $10.00 to $12.00 per unit.