Botox Treatments
Dermatology Associates of Southern New Hampshire offers a full range of Botox treatments. The following paragraphs tell you what it is and how it can help:
Click (or touch) this image for an informative presentation on the Botulinum toxin (Botox).
Wrinkles and Frown Lines
Frown lines are the result of gathering or pulling the tissue between the eyebrows into a fold. These unattractive folds and furrows are caused by the repeated action of underlying muscles associated with facial expression. Years of squinting and frowning tend to leave deep wrinkles in the skin between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, across the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes. Frown lines produce an angry or sad look that can detract from a pleasant facial appearance. Dermatologic surgeons can now remedy these wrinkles and lines by a simple injection of botulinum toxin.
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) is purified substances derived from a bacteria that blocks the nerve signals from the brain to the muscle. By injecting very tiny amounts into a specific facial muscle, only the impulse of that muscle will be blocked, causing a local relaxation and weakness. In this way, botulinum toxin acts as a muscle blockade to immobilize the underlying cause of the unwanted lines and prevent “wrinkly” expressions.
Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) has been used since 1980 to treat many muscle disorders, such as lazy eye, and uncontrolled blinking. It was pioneered by dermatologic surgeons for cosmetic use in 1987. The FDA has granted approval to botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX COSMETIC) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar vertical lines in adult men and women 65 or younger. The approval specifically applies to the vertical lines between the eyebrows.
Botulinum Toxin Therapy
Treatment involves injection of very small amounts of botulinum toxin into the underlying muscles to relax them. The actual treatment is well tolerated and takes just a few minutes with no “down time” or prolonged recovery period.
Botulinum toxin takes effect about 3 to 7 days after treatment. The improvement generally lasts about 3 to 4 months before the effect gradually fades and muscle action returns. It is anticipated that the average patient will require reinjection at various intervals. With repeated treatments, atrophy (thinning) of the muscle may occur which usually produces longer-lasting results.
Treatment Areas
Botulinum toxin is injected directly into the target muscle to treat:
- vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose,
- squint lines or crows feet at the corners of the eyes,
- the forehead horizontal lines, and
- the muscle bands often visible on the neck, commonly known as “turkey neck.”
Once the muscle is weakened and relaxed, it cannot contract. Since there is no way to make the undesirable facial expression, the lines gradually smooth out from disuse. Other muscles like those needed to raise the eyebrows are not affected, so a natural expression is maintained. Botulinum toxin therapy may be used in combination with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing and wrinkle fillers for optimal results, and to help prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is less useful for the smile lines around the mouth because the muscle action in this area is needed for important functions like eating and talking.
Other Applications
Excessive sweating can be treated with injections of a highly diluted form of botulinum toxin directly into the underarm skin, or skin on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet. There it paralyzes the sweat glands of the skin, which are responsible for excessive perspiration. A single treatment session can provide months of relief, and experts believe that injections can be repeated indefinitely once or twice a year to maintain dryness.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minimal and typically relate to the local injection. Soreness or mild bruising, while uncommon, may occur around the injection site. Makeup may be worn after treatment, but care should be taken to avoid pressing or massaging the area for several hours. A temporary headache is not uncommon after injections in the forehead area, especially after the first treatment. In rare instances, patients may develop temporary weakness of the neighboring muscles, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid. All of these possible effects are likely to be mild and temporary, and in most cases, do not significantly limit routine activities.
