Botox

What wrinkles are amenable to Botox therapy?

The most frequently treated site is the frown. Forehead lines, and crow’s feet are also very favorably affected by Botox therapy.

The frown lines are particularly problematic wrinkles as we age because many individuals become habitual frowners, even in the absence of anger, hostility, anguish, fear, or sadness. As the habit becomes more entrained with years, we tend to frown even if we are concentrating, or as part of a squint from bright light. Unfortunately, this expression conveys to others one of the above negative emotions, and may very well negatively influence communications with others. Many individuals relate that others have commented on their apparent “tension”, when it is simply the habitual frown that prompted the comment. Botox administration in these individuals will break the frown habit, and take years off your appearance. Generally, there is great patient satisfaction with Botox treatment of the frown. Typical compliments include: “You look rested.” “You look good!”

How does Botox work?

Botox is a protein produced by bacteria, purified, and used to our advantage. When injected very locally around a specific muscle, it will temporarily prevent the nerve of that muscle from signaling to and activating that muscle that causes the wrinkle. It is completely reversible, but the benefit will usually last 3-9 months, more often about 3. Of course, the benefit is achieved when very specific muscles are affected, and so the Botox is injected immediately in the vicinity of the target muscles. The amount injected is minuscule. As the facial expressions are evoked by conversation or emotions, the signal from the brain is not followed by contraction of that very specific group of muscles. Without contraction of that muscle, there will be no further wrinkling in that zone, while all other facial expressions proceed as usual. Generally the wrinkles that persist during the relaxed facial expression will relax after Botox. For example, when treating forehead lines, the creases that occur at rest in the forehead zone will also be diminished or eliminated by Botox because the resting tone of the underlying muscle is reduced. So the furrows that occur with facial expression are temporarily prevented, but so too are the creases that persist at rest reduced or eliminated. Now the forehead looks as it did when we were much younger. If the resting creases are deeply engraved in the skin, there may be persistence of this crease. Other measures are available to reduce that deep skin crease.

How do patients feel about their treated area?

Patient satisfaction is high. Patients generally relax after experiencing the procedure because it is quick and side effects are usually trivial. The discomfort of the procedure is limited to the pokes of the needle. For most this is not so distressing, and for those that have difficulty with needles, there is topical anesthetic. The benefit is gradual and does not require explanation to others. The loss of furrows and creases in the treated zones is associated with a marked anti-aging effect. Others will notice a change in your overall appearance prompting comments like, “you look rested”, or “you look good today”. For example, the presence of a frown is certainly noticed by others, but the absence of a frown is usually interpreted as “rested”, “relaxed”. Patients do not want to “go back to the way it was.”

Does my doctor know what she is doing?

All doctors administering Botox Cosmetic have been trained specifically in the safe and effective administration of Botox Cosmetic. Dr. Genesis is familiar with the large body of scientific publications pertaining to this topic. She continues to read the latest articles, and she has considerable experience in the administration of Botox Cosmetic, since the spring of 2002, shortly after it was approved for use in Canada. The injection is always performed by the M.D., after consultation with her.

What might I expect immediately after treatment?

Other than some slight flushing in the immediate zone of injection, there will usually be no evidence of having the procedure. Many people will return to work, or carry on their daily routine immediately after the treatment. Occasionally, there can be a small bruise at an injection site because the needle might have nicked a tiny facial blood vessel. This is usually easily covered, and resolves in a couple of days. Other post-treatment instructions include: maintain the head in an upright posture for 4 hours following injection, keep your hands off your treatment area, and exercise the muscles in the treatment zone. There might be some sensation of numbness or awareness of the treated area for a few hours after the treatment. Some might even report this as a very mild discomfort, but certainly there is no significant residual experience after treatment.

How long does it take to see the benefit? How long does it last?

The effects may be noticed within the first 24 hours, but typically the benefit strengthens over the next 10 days. The effect may last from 3 – 11 months, but in most cases it will last 3 – 5 months. Even as movement returns, it is partial for a while longer. Maintenance is best performed before the residual is fully lost. Most will require injection 2 – 4 times per year.

For more information:

www.trueexpressions.ca

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