The cosmetic form of botulinum
toxin, often referred to by its product name, Botox, is a popular non-surgical
injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead
creases, crows feet near the eyes, and thick bands in the neck.
Those patients who seem
to get the greatest benefits from Botox injections are young to middle age
individuals who want to eliminate lines and wrinkles on their faces and
necks. They want a quick procedure without much downtime, and they understand
they will have to repeat the procedure every three or four months in order
to maintain results.
Treatment involves injecting
small amounts of botulinum toxin into the underlying muscles to relax them. The treatment usually takes only a few minutes
Although there is no chance
of contracting botulism from Botox injections, there are some risks associated
with the procedure. If too much toxin is injected, for example, or if it
is injected into the wrong facial area, a person can end up with droopy
eyelid muscles that could last for weeks.
Other common side effects
following injection include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome,
and nausea. Less frequent adverse reactions included pain in the face,
redness at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These reactions were
generally temporary, but could last several months.
