January 2011

The skinny on Botox…

Everyone has heard of it. Some have done it. Many want to more about it…

OnabotulinumtoxinA or “BOTOX Cosmetic” was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles in the glabella muscle, aka “frown lines” between the eyes. However, it has been used for many years prior to FDA approval. Dysport, a competitor was approved in April 2009. Both are great products and extremely similar in efficacy. I just want to state the disclaimer here that I will refer to “Botox” throughout this post but the information pertains to both products.

Okay, so how does it work? Botox works by blocking the nerve impulses to the common muscles that create wrinkles from persistent movement. Now, this does not mean that your face will be completely frozen. It is still possible to have some movement to be able to demonstrate expression. Botox does not alter your face structure, so it usually looks very natural, avoiding looking like you’ve “had work done.” We can inject Botox in the glabella (aka “frown lines” or “11’s”), the forehead, the crow’s feet around the eyes, above the upper lip, and even at the top of the nose (sometimes referred to as “bunny lines”). It is extremely effective…you will see results that are simply impossible to get with anything topical. Even the most expensive creams in the world just don’t work this well-hence its popularity.

The injections themselves involve minimal discomfort. We use tiny little needles that feel like a quick minor sting. You may be a little red for a few minutes, but otherwise can carry on with your day. There is no down time whatsoever, and can even be done on your lunch break from work. Most common side effects include tenderness at the injection site, redness, and occasional bleeding or minor bruising. It is also possible to have headaches or dropping eyelids related to the injections, although this is much less common. It is very rare to have any serious side effects of botox, but there have been a few reported as is the case with most medications on the market.

You will start to notice the effects of Botox within 2-3 days and will see the full effects of it around 10-14 days after the injections. Botox lasts up to 4 months in most people—some can go longer, others go less. The average cost of Botox is between $200-$500 depending on the areas that you are injecting, the strength of the muscle movement, and the depth of your lines. Many patients have told me, “I feel like I’m too young to get Botox”…which I follow with an explanation of the benefits of prevention. By having less muscle movement in the areas which create wrinkles, you are helping to delay the severity and deepness of the lines over time. This does not mean that teenagers need to be coming in for Botox, and it certainly isn’t for everyone—but, if you are interested, come on in for a consult!