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After years of squinting, laughing, frowning, smoking and worrying, the skin around the eyes and on the
forehead often develops deep lines and wrinkles. These lines are called "expression lines". Until now, this type of wrinkle ("hyper dynamic wrinkle" meaning it is caused by muscle action and only appear with certain mimic action) has been difficult to treat. Expression lines may often make you look older, tired or stressed. Now, by utilizing an already FDA approved muscle relaxing agent, expression lines can be significantly reduced. If you're not happy with these expression lines, botox treatment might just work for you.
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What is Botox?
Botox is a therapeutic muscle relaxing agent derived from the bacteria clostridium botulinum. Ophthalmologists have been using Botox for over 13 years for its original indication: treatment of blepharospasm. For years physicians have been using Botox as a cosmetic treatment to correct visible signs of stress and aging. More and more indications for Botox use are being discovered, including treatment for therapeutic resistant migraine, spastic disease and excessive axillar and palmar sweating.
How does Botox work?
Your brain sends messages to your muscles so that they can contract and move. Botox works to block the muscle from responding to the message; as a result, the muscle relaxes and the overlying skin remains unwrinkled and smooth.
What is treatment like?
Botox is precisely injected, using a very fine needle, into the specific muscle that is contracting and causing the overlying skin to wrinkle. Treatment is relatively painless, effective, safe and takes approximately 10 minutes to perform, labeling the treatment as the "lunch break treatment". The pain is a minimal "pin prick" and no anesthetic is required, although some may prefer a skin desensitizer such as Emla crème to be applied prior to treatment. Injection sites include the frontal (expression lines), glabellar (between the eyebrows to combat frowning) and peri-orbital (around the eyes to smoothen out crowfeet) regions. Immediately following treatment, you may resume regular activities.
How long does a Botox treatment last?
The effects of Botox usually last 3 to 4 months. You will notice a gradual fading of its effects. After several treatments, the effects of Botox may last 6 to 8 months. Botox offers sustained relief over the course of long term treatment.
What type of results will you see?
Usually, the effects of Botox is visible within 3 days. Maximum benefits are reached between 10 to 14 days. Once the muscle relaxes and the skin softens, you will have a more relaxed and youthful appearance. Probable the most noticeable effect of Botox is the "eyebrow lift effect" it produces, creating also a more youthful and pleasing appearance. Botox injections will not replace the need for facial rejuvenating procedures. The ideal look may be achieved by Botox injections in conjunction with perhaps another injectable like Restylane (see Restylane page) or facial rejuvenating procedures like a facelift, eyelid surgery or laser resurfacing.
Where is the treatment done?
Botox treatment is done at the Riley Surgery Center as an office procedure. There is no need for someone to take you home, you are perfectly able to do this yourself.
Are there any possible side effects?
With Botox, side effects, if any, are usually mild and temporary. A slight headache is sometimes reported, lasting no longer than several hours. Temporary bruising is also sometimes experienced. This "complication" resolves itself within 2 to 3 days. In rare cases, there can be a slight drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of expression. Sometimes, an exaggerated lift of the eyebrows can be produced, causing a "surprised" or "Jack Nicholson" look. If this should happen, return to your physician because often these symptoms could be corrected by some additional, well placed injections of Botox. Treatment during pregnancy is not recommended and although preliminary studies do not suggest harmfulness, treatment with Botox should probably not be given during lactation. Botulinum toxins contain protein and in some circumstances, the body may form antibodies to the protein. If antibodies are formed, the effect would be a lesser response to the therapy. Botox is a very sensitive agent that requires specific production facilities, transportation (dry ice), storage, handling and administration (a trained physician). That's why the agent is pretty expensive. Beware of quacks who administer "Botox" of undisclosed laboratories, transported in their pockets and offered at ridiculous low prices. Botox administration at the Riley Surgery Center is performed by a trained physician, using US or European manufactured Botox that is properly transported, stored and handled.
The costs
Botox treatment costs anywhere from US$ 200,00 to US$ 600,00 per treatment, depending on how many sites are necessary to inject. Initial consultation (US$ 50,00) is not charged if Botox treatment is done immediately. Botox treatment can also be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, which are quoted separately. In addition, a Botox maintenance program is offered at a 10% discount which can be paid monthly. Ask for it at our clinic.
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