BOTOX® Cosmetic almost single handedly started the revolution in cosmetic dermatology. Although it has been around since 1980, it ‘s earlier uses were limited to selectively weakening muscles around the eye for the medical conditions of cross-eyedness and eyelid spasm. Eventually (in the later 1980s) an astute ophthalmologist and her dermatologist husband, Jean and Alastair Caruthers, discovered the potential for treating frown lines between eyebrows. Since then, BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment has evolved into the number one cosmetic procedure performed world wide. Dr. Mott has been performing BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments since 1998, and learned directly from the Caruthers, themselves.
He was also an active member in Allergan’s NEF program, the National Education Faculty, which was responsible for educating physicians nationwide on the safety and proper administration of BOTOX® Cosmetic.
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a purified toxin that when given in large amounts, blocks nerve transmission and causes a generalized paralysis called botulism. When injected in miniscule amounts (less than one-one thousandth of the toxic doses), it causes a very localized weakness limited to the treated muscle. This relaxation effect results in improvement in wrinkles caused by excessive or repeated muscle contraction. It is used to temporarily improve the look of wrinkles mainly between the eyebrows (frown lines) and the corners of the eyes (crow’s or squinting lines).
The BOTOX® Cosmetic Procedure
BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are performed without anesthesia because it is virtually painless. Only a very small sting is felt when the injections are made. The effects are not permanent and may need to be repeated two to three times per year to retain the effects. Research has suggested, however, that long term use of the injections leads to a longer duration of each treatment’s effect. Patients over the age of 65 may not experience as dramatic of results. BOTOX® Cosmetic is only useful in treating expression lines and cannot be used to repair sagging skin caused by aging.
Post-Treatment Information
After the procedure, patients may experience slight bruising around the area that quickly fades. Normal activities can be performed immediately. Possible side effects are temporary weakness of nearby muscles or in rare cases an eyelid may droop. BOTOX® Cosmetic is completely reversible so any side effect is only a temporary condition. Overall, BOTOX® Cosmetic is an extremely safe and effective treatment, explaining why it is the #1 most performed cosmetic treatment in the world.