What to Expect with a BOTOX® Procedure:
Dr.
Henry Mentz has experience with BOTOX® since 1988, using
BOTOX® for early research at Tulane for facial wrinkles, vocal
cord spasticity and facial twitches. He has BOTOX® available
at every clinic.
Typically, after
reviewing educational material, we utilize a numbing cream in the areas
for treatment. The BOTOX® is then injected into forehead
wrinkles, crowsfeet or lines around the mouth. Over a period of two
week these lines will soften and the treatment usually lasts for about
5 months.
Botox FAQ
WHat is BOTOX® and how does it work?
BOTOX®
(Allergan Irvine, CA) is purified Botulinum Toxin Type A produced by
the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. BOTOX®works by binding
with motor nerve terminals in the body to inhibit the release of a
chemical called Acetylcholine. When injected locally into a muscle
BOTOX® produces a reversible paralysis of that muscle. The FDA
has approved BOTOX® for use in treating conditions known as
strabismus and blepharospasm or disorders of the facial nerve in
patients aged 12 and above. BOTOX® is probably best known for
its "off label" use in treating dynamic expression lines of the face
and neck. BOTOX® is one of the most effective ways to treat
the wrinkles on the forhead and between the brows and we are pleased to
offer BOTOX® to our patients. BOTOX® is also used to
treat the lines of crows feet and around the mouth.. Recently, in
another off-label use BOTOX® has been used to treat excessive
sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the palms and armpits. When used for
wrinkle reduction the effects of BOTOX® are temporary, with
muscle function (and the associated wrinkling) usually returning within
four to six months. Around the mouth only about 2-3 months.
BOTOX® is injected directly into the muscle through a small
needle in the physician's office. Patients usually return to work that
day and in most cases could participate in a social engagement that
evening.
Are there any risks?
There
are risks associated with BOTOX® use, however complications
are usually temporary because of the non-permanent nature of
BOTOX®. A thorough discussion of the risks and potential
complications is an essential part of the consultative process prior to
undergoing any aesthetic surgical procedure including BOTOX®
treatment.
