BOTOX® Patient frowning before Botox® treatment Patient unable to frown 2 weeks after Botox® treatment (Click on the images above to see larger and additional before/after images)

BOTOX®

Botox® is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It has been used since the early 1980's in the treatment of a number of ophthalmologic disorders.

Botox can successfully treat hyperfunctional facial lines such as frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines. In addition, it can be useful in rejuvenation of the neck and as a treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the hands, underams).

View more before and after images of the potential benefits of Botox treatments.

Visit Allergan's site for additional information.

FAQs ABOUT BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR WRINKLES

• What are hyperfunctional facial lines?
• How does it work?
• Are there any side effects?
• Are there contraindications?
• What do I do before and after Botox® treatments?

FAQs ABOUT BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR HYPERHIDROSIS (SWEATING)

• What is hyperhidrosis?
• What are treatments for hyperhidrosis?
• How does Botox® work for hyperhidrosis?

Hyperfunctional facial lines are caused by the pull of certain facial muscles on the skin. Excessively prominent facial lines, such as frown lines, are often interpreted as anger, anxiety, fatigue, fear or sadness. The only function of the muscles that cause frown lines are to make that expression. To weaken those muscles does not cause any significant dysfunction.

Botox® is a nerve impulse "blocker." If it is injected into a muscle, it prevents the muscle from being activated, thereby avoiding muscle contraction. Botox® usually takes a week or so to reach full effect. Because the effects tend to wear off after a few months, repeat injections may be necessary. However, after a few injections, the effect may become long-lasting.

Botox® has been used for over ten years, in thousands of patients and has an excellent safety record. As with any treatment, side effects can occur. Reported side effects have included bruising, swelling and transient headache. Ptosis, a drooping of the eyelid and/or eyebrow, occurs in 1-2% of patients and generally resolves within 2 weeks. Occasionally patients may observe more effect on one side than another, causing an asymmetrical appearance. Strabismus, a weakening of the eye muscles, is a temporary side effect that has been reported. Although this is a transient reaction, it could make it unsafe for you to drive. This is rare in the doses used for wrinkle treatment. Some patients develop resistance to the treatment.

We do not use Botox® in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those allergic to albumin or Botox®. Also, patients with neurological conditions generally are not treated.

Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen-like medications for 1 week before or after treatment. Please avoid working out, lying down or massaging the treated area for 4 hours after treatment. However, it is helpful to contract the muscles we injected as often as possible for a few hours. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating. Most commonly this involves the axilla (armpits) or palms. Hyperhidrosis can lead to significant effects on quality of life, necessitating frequent clothing changes and causing significant discomfort in social or work situations. Localized hyperhidrosis is a condition that usually occurs without a known cause. Rarely it may be related to internal problems.

Options for treatment of localized hyperhidrosis include the application of aluminum chloride (Drysol®), a medication available by prescription through a pharmacy. Devices are available (iontophoresis) which may help block the excess sweating in some people. For the axillae (armpits), surgery has been described to remove the skin in the armpits or even to do liposuction to try and destroy the sweat glands. Surgery to destroy the nerves that supply the sweat glands may be a useful permanent solution in some patients. This is called thoracic sympathectomy. Finally Botox® has been shown in several medical studies to be a very effective treatment for patients with localized hyperhidrosis. The benefit from Botox® often lasts 6 months or more.

Botox® works by blocking the nervous system stimulation of the sweat glands. It is injected into the skin in the area that is sweating excessively. A significant and often dramatic reduction in sweating is seen in most patients within a few days. Side effects are usually minimal although transient muscle weakness can occur in the palms.