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Indication:
minimizing the signs of aging
| The first
signs of aging often appear as wrinkles around our
eyes, forehead, cheeks and lips. While wrinkles are
normal, defining features of the human face, they can
sometimes falsely portray a tired or more aged
appearance. |
Wrinkles:
how do you get wrinkles?
We develop two types
of wrinkles on our faces:
DYNAMIC WRINKLES:
We are born with dynamic wrinkles, which are
associated with the muscles we use for facial
expression. As we continuously use our facial
muscles to smile, laugh and squint, mild wrinkles
appear when we are young, but they become deeper and
more noticeable as we grow older. The most common
areas where we develop dynamic wrinkles are around
the lips, the corners of the eyelids (where the
wrinkles are known as
crows' feet),
between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. These
wrinkles often make people look older and more tired
than they actually are. BOTOX can be used to treat
these dynamic wrinkles and make them less
noticeable.
CREPE-PAPER WRINKLES:
Crepe-paper wrinkles are caused by sun exposure
and aging. As we age or are repeatedly exposed to
the sun, collagen (the protein substance found just
beneath and within the deep layers of the skin)
begins to thin, causing facial skin to stretch and
sag. Unfortunately, BOTOX can not treat crepe-paper
wrinkles. However, there are other procedures that
may be used to reduce the appearance of crepe-paper
wrinkles.
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How:
how does botox work?
Botulinum
toxin (brand name BOTOX) is extracted from the
bacteria Clostridia botulinum. For years it has
been used as a non-surgical treatment for
uncontrollable facial spasms and disorders of the eye
(such as misaligned eyes). Now it is used as a safe
and effective way to reduce facial wrinkles without
surgery.
BOTOX is targeted directly at the facial muscles that
are causing dynamic wrinkles to form. The BOTOX
protein injection blocks transmission from the nerve
ending to the muscle. As a result, the skin muscle
relax, significantly reducing the appearance of
wrinkles and muscles on the skin above that muscle.
This blocking effect on the nerves usually lasts an
average of three to six months, at which time the
muscle regains movement and wrinkles reappear. |
Treatment:
how is BOTOX administered?
Using a
very fine needle, injections of BOTOX are targeted to
facial muscles directly. A topical anesthetic
cream may be applied to your skin to decrease the
sensation of the injection. BOTOX treatments only take
a few minutes and are given during a typical office
visit. You should be able to return to your normal
activities immediately.
The effects of BOTOX-induced muscle relaxation begin
to occur within about three days. By the end of the
first week, you will probably notice a significant
reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the
treated areas. Repeat injections of BOTOX may be given
after the effects wear off. |
Candidates:
are you a good candidate for BOTOX?
| The best candidates
for BOTOX treatments are people who are physically
healthy, with no history of neuromuscular disease
(such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis), not
pregnant or nursing, and who are at least 18 years
old. Some people who should
not have BOTOX treatments include those with:
- existing weakness in the targeted
muscles;
- ptosis (drooping eyelids);
- deep facial scars;
- very thick facial skin;
- marked facial asymmetry;
- skin disorders around the planned
injection sites.
You should inform Dr. Pak of your
medical history and all medications, vitamins and/or
herbal supplements you are currently taking before
having BOTOX treatments.
It is important to remember that the level of
improvements in the appearance of wrinkles after BOTOX
treatments can vary among patients. Some people
respond better to BOTOX than others. Occasionally
there is little improvements and another form of
treatment may be recommended. It is important to
discuss your situation and your expectations with Dr.
Pak. |
Risks:
understanding the risks,
complications and
side effects.
Side
effects and complications include but are not
limited to:
- Bruising
- Under correction
(not enough effect) or overcorrection (too much
effect)
- Facial asymmetry
(one side looks different than the other)
- Paralysis of a
nearby muscle leading to: droopy eyelid, double
vision, inability to close eye, difficulty whistling
or drinking from a straw
- Generalized weakness
- Permanent loss of
muscle tone with repeated injection
- Flu-like syndrome or
respiratory infection
- Nausea or headache
- Development of
antibodies to BOTOX
- BOTOX contains
human-derived albumin and carries a theoretic risk
of virus transmission. There have been no reports of
disease transmission through BOTOX.
More serious
complications are rare but possible. There is a chance
that non-targeted muscles could be affected and
weakened. This could cause dropping of the eyelids (ptosis)
if BOTOX seeps below the eyebrow and into the muscle
that controls eyelid function. Though the effect is
not permanent and will eventually go away as BOTOX
wears off, dropping eyelids may temporarily obstruct
your ability to see.
In order to help reduce the possibility of side
effects, you may have to use lubricating eyedrops, gel
or ointment for a period of time after treatment. You
may also be instructed to:
- Sit upright and do
not lie down for at least four hours after
treaatment.
- Avoid pressing on or
massaging the treated area for four hours.
- Avoid exercising for
24 hours following treatment.
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