Dynamic wrinkles are caused by contractions of the
delicate underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh
or frown. The more emotions you show, the deeper these wrinkles
and lines are likely to be. While you may have earned every one
of your worry lines, you don’t have to show them anymore.
Now, thanks to a new use for an approved drug, dynamic
lines can be dramatically softened. The procedure known as cosmetic
denervation uses Botox injections to improve the appearance of
worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, crow’s feet and other
dynamic wrinkles.
How does Botox work?
Botox blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny
facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Botox relaxes
the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying
skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial
muscles contract in a regular fashion, allowing normal facial
expression to be unaffected.
Are Botox treatments safe?
Botox injections have been used safely and effectively
for over ten years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological
disorders. Each year, thousands of patients receive Botox treatments
for a variety of conditions and it is quickly becoming a popular
treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging.
What is the treatment like?
Cosmetic denervation with Botox is a simple and
safe procedure. Using a tiny micro-needle, small amounts of Botox
are injected, very precisely, into several locations on the face.
Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid
is used, the pain associated with the injection is minimal. Most
patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local
anesthetic is required. Most of the time, we numb the area to
be treated with an ice ball to avoid any discomfort with the injection.
Are there any side effects?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect.
In some cases, the toxin can
migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In rare
cases, there can be a drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial
expression. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles
injected and most of the time it can be corrected. Your doctor
will discuss this with you in length before your treatment. Because
the effects of Botox are completely reversible, any side effects
are temporary, lasting only for a few weeks.
What results can I expect?
If dynamic wrinkles make you look older than you
are, cosmetic denervation can smoothen these out and give you
a more youthful and pleasant appearance. However, this procedure
cannot improve wrinkles due to aging and sun-damage since they
are unrelated to facial muscle contractions. Botox injections
will not improve sagging skin or replace the need for a facelift
or brow lift. Overall, Botox treatments can make your face look
more relaxed.
What are the limitations of Botox injections?
Unfortunately, Botox injections are a temporary
solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. The effects of
the injections last from 3 to 6 months. You may need to have injections
about 2 to 4 times a year. Early clinical studies indicate that
the duration of treatment benefits is increased over time so that
you should require injections less frequently in the future. Also,
the duration of effect varies from patient to patient and may
be less effective for those over 65 years of age.
Is Botox used to treat other symptoms?
Yes. Botox has been used for ten years on thousands
of patients to treat blepharospasm associated with dystonia.
How can I find out if I am a candidate for Botox?
If you would like to learn more about your
cosmetic options or find out if Botox treatments might work well
for you, please call our clinic and schedule a consultation with
the doctor.
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