Rhett Drugge, M.D. | Cosmetic Procedures

Botox is not effective in every individual and the degree of effect varies from person to person. Side-effects that may be encountered include drooping or opening of the eyelid, sensitivity to light, corneal inflammation and double vision. However, because of the non-permanent nature of Botox injections these side-effects are usually transient. The concurrent use of certain antibiotics or some other neuromuscular drugs should be avoided.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a protein produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The effects that this toxin can have on the body have been known since the turn of the century, but in the 1980's the beneficial, cosmetic effects were discovered, and turned to our advantage.

Botox has a relaxing effect on muscle tissue, thus when it is injected into specific target areas of certain muscle groups those muscles lose some or all of their ability to contract.

Take a look in the mirror and frown at yourself. See where the vertical furrows develop between your brows? Now relax. Can you still see remains of those furrows? Now squint at yourself. See the crows feet develop around your outer eyes? Relax. Can you still see where those lines were? If you answered yes to either of those questions then Botox may be helpful to you. The permanent presence of frown lines or crows feet may be due to over-activity of certain muscle groups. Over time this causes deep wrinkles or furrows to appear, which may result in a prematurely old appearance, or a less than pleasant expression. The injection of Botox into those muscle groups on the forehead and/or around the eyes can help eliminate those furrows, giving a more youthful appearance or a more pleasing demeanor.

A botox injection can take from 1 to 2 weeks to become fully effective but most people notice an effect within 48 hours. During this period a subtle relaxation of the muscle takes place such that you should not even be aware that it is or has happened - until you notice that the lines are gone! The ability to frown or squint will also have been reduced. The treatment is not permanent - one of the extra benefits of botox injections. The injections can be repeated once the effects have worn off - a period which can vary from person to person (from 4 to 6 months). Therefore, if you are dissatisfied with the result you can be reassured that it will wear off. Permanent relaxation of the muscle can be achieved after repeated treatments.

There is no preparation that you need to do other than have a consultation with your physician about your suitability for the treatment. The injections themselves are done with the patient in the sitting position, and a very small, fine needle is used to inject a controlled dose of the toxin into specific areas of the target muscles. The procedure takes no more than a few minutes. There is no aftercare required - you may return to work or the rest of your day's schedule immediately.