What is Botox?

Botox is short for botulinum toxin. These injections have been used medically for more than fifty years. In the 1960s botox was first used to treat neurological disorders.

Approved in 1989 to treat lazy eye (strabismus), blepharospasm, which is quick movement of the eyes, and cervial dystonia. After the surgeons saw that these injections were helping to reduce the signs of frown lines, botox became approved for crows feet, and neck bands in 2002. These injections have been successful in half a million patients since then.

The risks of these injections are very minimal. Most patients suffer from headaches which will leave in 24-48 hours after the injection, pain, and bruising of the injection site. The bruising can be reduced by stopping all anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin two weeks prior the procedure, and any alcohol one week prior, and some may have flu-like symptoms. Some may experience dropping of the eyelids. Patients that are pregnant should not receive botox injections and those that have an allergy to eggs, since the botox has an egg base.

The results of this procedure are that you will look rested and younger. The injection will take effect 3-7 days after injection, and last between three and four months, with occasional touch ups. After the injection, it is recommended that you don’t lay down for three hours, and no contact with the site (no pushing or feeling at the site due to causing the botox to relocate or flatten) for twelve hours.

After continues use of botox the muscles have learned to relax which will help minimize the sign of wrinkles in between sessions.