Botulinum toxin- sound scary? It should- it is the most potent toxin known to man! Even so, Botox use has been increasing dramatically each year around the country. Botox is purified Botulinum toxin- made in a lab and specially packaged. Each container of Botox has a very specific amount, and the result is based on the amount injected. There is very little fluctuation from person to person with the recommended dosages. This makes it very safe and effective- and reproducible with each injection.

The benefits of Botox are enormous. Botox started out with use in strabismus- kids with crossed eyes. The cosmetic improvements around the eyes were quite apparent, and now it is used for the area between the brow, the crow's feet area and the forehead for both prevention and treatment. It has many other uses, and it is still being investigated. It can be used for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), facial tics and Bell's Palsy, muscle spasms around the eye and even for cerebral palsy muscle spasms. It works by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter across a muscle junction. This weakens the muscle. Unfortunately, the results are short-lived, and the muscle returns to normal in 4-6 months. Botox typically takes 2-7 days before any effect is seen, and continued improvements in wrinkles and fine lines may be apparent for the duration of its activity. It has received FDA approval for many uses, including cosmetic, and it is very safe in trained hands.

The downsides to Botox primarily lie in the fact that it does not produce permanent changes, and is quite expensive. An injection can cost $100-500, depending on the number of sites and amount of Botox injected. These injections must be repeated every 4 to 6 months to achieve the best results. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. Side effects are relatively rare but may include a bruise at the site of injection, headache, or ptosis (a droopiness of the eyelid). All side effects are also temporary.

Do I like Botox? I love it! It is the best treatment for wrinkles around the eyes, forehead and glabella there is and there is no down-time. Injections are quick and painless and results start occurring in a couple of days. I do not like it around the mouth in most patients- I think that with a few exceptions, it will affect the mobility and expressiveness of the mouth that is noticeable (apparent that you have had "something done"). I personally recommend fillers (such as Juvederm) for most smile lines and puppet lines around the mouth.

Are you a candidate? Call 317-814-1104 now and schedule your free consultation!