Treatment Overview
The injection of
botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, has become
very popular for reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating the aging face. The effects
are only temporary, but the injections can be done quickly, require no recovery
time, and are not as complicated as many other cosmetic procedures for the
face.
Botulinum toxin is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When a small amount of Botox is injected into a
muscle, it blocks nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract. The effect
is that it temporarily weakens or paralyzes the facial muscles and smooths or
eliminates wrinkles in the skin for a few months.
Getting a Botox
injection takes just a few minutes.
What To Expect After Treatment
For the first 2 to 3 hours after
treatment, take it easy and do not rub the treated area. After that, you can
return to your regular activities.
It can take 3 to 4 days before
you notice an effect from the Botox. The full effect may take up to 1 week. The
results may last from 3 to 4 months on average but sometimes up to 6 months. After that, you will begin to see the wrinkles
return.
Why It Is Done
Botulinum toxin has been approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating frown lines in adults
younger than 65. Botox injections also are frequently
used to reduce other wrinkles on the face and neck, such as crow's feet, brow
furrow, and forehead lines.
Botulinum
toxin is also approved by the FDA to treat a wide range of problems, such as chronic migraine headaches, eye muscle disorders, and muscle stiffness.
How Well It Works
Within 72 hours after treatment, the
injection of Botox partly or completely smooths wrinkles for most people. But the results are temporary, typically
lasting only 3 to 4 months. You will have to return for injections every 3 to 4
months to keep the effect. The dose of Botox usually is the same each time
you get an injection.
Risks
The most common side effects are:
- Drooping eyelid
that may last a short time.
- Headache.
- Bruising.
Other side effects include flu-like symptoms, nausea,
temporary facial pain, redness at the injection site, reduced blinking, and
weakness in the muscles of the face. In extreme cases, this muscle weakness can
limit your facial expressions. In rare cases, a sore may develop on the
white of the eye (corneal ulceration).
Very serious problems can happen if the botulinum toxin spreads from where it was injected. It may cause dangerous swallowing and breathing problems. These problems can happen hours to weeks after the injection and can cause death. The risk is greatest in children who are being treated for muscle spasticity in their necks. But adults who already have swallowing or breathing problems are also at risk for problems from a Botox injection.
The
risks of repeated Botox injections are not known.
What To Think About
Botox injections are more
convenient and less painful than other procedures for reducing wrinkles and
making your face look younger (chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing,
face-lift). Keep in mind that the effect of an injection may last only a few
months. To keep the effect, you will have to get injections several
times a year. A single injection may seem inexpensive, but the cost of
repeated injections can quickly add up.
Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKeith A. Denkler, MD - Plastic Surgery
Current as ofOctober 13, 2016