Botox Cosmetic Injections for Deep Wrinkles, Anti-Aging, Frown Lines and Forehead Glabellar Lines | Botox Clinics and Doctors

Botox and Wrinkles

When many people think of Botox today, they think of its use for cosmetic reasons - in other words, skin rejuvenation. Although in the United States, it is only approved for frown lines, Botox Cosmetic is becoming increasingly familiar as a treatment for those pesky smile lines and other deep wrinkles. Botox is the trade name for a neuro toxin. Dysport is another drug like this, which has received the OK for use in the United States. There are similar drugs such as Reloxin that do not have permission for use in the U.S. Other products based on botulinum include Myobloc. These drugs are being used, though not always with governmental approval, in purified form for cosmetic reasons - as an anti-aging treatment to help people look younger, by reducing lines and wrinkles on the face and neck.

Botox for cosmetic use

Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and similar products are used for the cosmetic treatment of one of the hallmarks of older skin and aging skin - wrinkles and creases. When it is injected into wrinkles, small amounts of Botox can relax the surrounding muscles. The Botox keeps the muscle from tightening. Botox cosmetic and products like Dysport do not add collagen, but when the muscle can't tighten, the wrinkle doesn't show as much, and the skin can look younger. Basically, this smoothes the skin and the wrinkles seem to disappear giving the appearance of younger looking healthy skin.

Botox is considered a less invasive treatment than a surgical treatment such as a face lift. It costs less than surgery, but is still not cheap. Dysport or Botox injections cost from $300-$600 per syringe. The fix is not permanent, with the effects lasting four to six months.

Facial wrinkles and Botox

Men and women are using Botox cosmetic for skin rejuvenation. Botox injections or Dysport can be used for:

• deep wrinkles in the forehead or brow lines
• glabellar lines - these are the lines that develop between the eyebrows, also known as the 11's since they look like the number 11
• forehead lines and wrinkles
• crow's feet - the wrinkles and crinkles at the corner of the eyes
• frown lines - these are the lines that develop from the nose to the mouth
• wrinkles above the upper lip
• wrinkles in the neck

Botox is also being used to reduce sweat in sweaty palms and to reduce underarm sweat. Hyperhidrosis is the name for excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis can be present in the form of excessively sweaty palms, sweaty hands, armpits, feet or face. Botox can also be used on other types of wrinkles that your doctor may deem appropriate. Botox may not be as effective for treating some extremely deep wrinkles. For these, other anti-aging treatments such as dermal fillers may be used. Botox will also not work against other aging skin issues such as age spots and skin discolorations. It will also not fix things such as sagging skin and jowls. For that, you would need a different type of cosmetic surgery, for example liposuction.

Botox injections usually have to be repeated, as the effects usually only last about three to four months, although sometimes they can last over a year. Some people may develop antibodies to the toxin; the Food and Drug Administration says this is more likely in patients who receive higher doses at more frequent intervals.

Botox doctors and clinics

Botox injections should be done by an authorized healthcare professional including physicians who specialize in plastic or cosmetic surgery. This includes:

• plastic surgeons
• cosmetic surgeons
• dermatologists (doctors who specialize in skincare)
• ophthalmologists (eye doctors)
• otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors)

Anyone considering Botox or going to a Botox clinic or Botox doctor should talk with a physician who specializes in facial aesthetics and facial cosmetic surgery, and has experience injecting Botox cosmetic. Remember, the bacterium from which Botox is derived can be dangerous. When it contaminates food, it can result in botulism, which is associated with serious health problems. It is also very powerful. For example, it was first licensed for treating two eye conditions, blepharospasm and strabismus, characterized by excessive muscle contractions.

There may be some discomfort prior to the injection as the needle first enters the skin. A numbing agent can be applied to lessen that. Side effects of Botox can include muscle weakness near the injection site. Other side effects can include:

• droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks
• feeling like you have the flu
• headache and upset stomach

There can also be problems squinting or frowning, as well as other side effects including redness, swelling and infection.

You may see an improvement in the moderate to severe lines within days. But it can take a few days to two weeks for the treatments to fully take effect. Improvement may continue for as long as a month, and could last up to 4 months. Botox treatments usually last 4 to 6 months.

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Updated June 2009

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