Botox injections are used very effectively to relax frown lines on the forehead, crow's feet around the eyes, and bunny lines on the nose. Botox can also be used to correct facial asymmetries as well as a 'gummy' smile. Botox blocks the nerve signals from the brain to the muscle. By injecting very tiny amounts of Botox into a specific facial muscle, only the signals to that muscle will be blocked, causing it to relax. In this way, Botox acts as a muscle blockade to immobilize the underlying cause of the unwanted lines and prevent “wrinkly' expressions. Botox has been used since 1980 to treat many muscle disorders, such as lazy eye, eye ticks, and uncontrolled blinking. Pioneered by dermatologic surgeons in 1987, Botox can now be used for cosmetic purposes.

Treatment Areas:

Botox is injected directly into the target muscle to treat vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, the squint lines or crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes, the forehead horizontal lines, and the muscle bands often visible on the neck. Botox may also be used for eyebrow positioning. Once the muscle is weakened and relaxed, it cannot contract. The lines gradually smooth out from disuse, and new creases are prevented from forming. Other muscles like those needed to raise the eyebrows are not affected so a natural expression is maintained.

Botox Therapy:

Treatment involves injection of very small amounts of Botox into the underlying muscles to immobilize them. The actual treatment is well tolerated and takes just a short time. The full effect is seen three to seven days after treatment. Since Botox only affects the muscles, there is no numbness following the procedure. The improvement generally lasts between three to six months before the effect gradually fades and muscle action returns. With repeated treatments, atrophy (thinning) of the muscle typically occur which produces longer-lasting results.

Other Applications:

Excessive sweating can be alleviated with Botox injections directly into the skin. It temporarily blocks the sweat glands which are responsible for excessive perspiration. A single treatment session can provide months of relief, and injections can be repeated indefinitely once or twice a year to maintain dryness.  Treatment areas include armpits, hands, feet, and face.

Side effects:

Side effects of Botox injections are minimal and typically relate to the local injection. Soreness or mild bruising, while uncommon, may occur around the injection site. Makeup can be used after treatment. In very rare instances or with inexperienced injectors of Botox the patient may develop temporary weakness of the neighboring muscles, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid, or a headache.