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What Creates a Wrinkle?
Many wrinkles are actually creases that have been worn into
the skin by making the same expression thousands of times.
These `expression lines', often called frown lines or crow's
feet are due to the contraction of a muscle under the skin
in that area of the face. We have known for years that surgically
cutting that muscle will diminish that wrinkle.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium
botulinum bacteria. Although Botox is a toxin, there have
been no serious side effects. This is because, for the treatment
described, it is used in extremely small amounts and does
not spread throughout the body.
How is Botox Used?
A few drops of Botox are injected with a tiny needle into
the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When Botox is injected
into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that
area, and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle weakens,
the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles in
the skin gradually soften and often disappear.
Does A Botox Injection Hurt?
When Botox is injected there is an initial minor sting for
a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually
no discomfort.
Where Can Botox Be Injected?
The most common areas are the frown lines between the eyebrows,
the horizontal forehead lines, and the crow's feet. On occasion,
some other areas may be treated as well.
Does Botox Affect Other Facial Expressions Or Create
Numbness?
Botox doesn't affect the nerve, so there is no numbness in
the area of the injection. Also, the effect of the Botox is
only in the immediate area of the injection. Therefore, the
muscles related to other expressions are unaffected.
How Long Does A Botox Treatment Last?
The effects of Botox usually last three to five months, at
which time another injection is required. After several treatments,
the effects of Botox may begin to last longer, sometimes up
to six or eight months.
How Safe Is Botox?
Botox has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology
for over 10 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over 6 years.
In the amounts used for this `cosmetic' application, the only
possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area
of injection.
Is The Treatment For Everyone?
There are very few restrictions regarding Botox treatments.
Patients who are pregnant or have a neurologic disease should
not be treated.
For more information on Botox/Collagen
or to speak with Dr. Calabria, please feel free to contact
us.
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