What does botox do? How does it work?
Botulinum toxin or “botox” works to reduce and improve wrinkles by temporarily blocking the muscle motion. Repeated muscle motion causes wrinkles to appear and become permanent or static. Stopping the repeated creasing of the skin by blocking the muscle allows the wrinkle to improve.
Where can botox be used?
- glabella or the “11’s” (between the eyebrows)
- crows feet
- forehead
- lips (for smokers’ lines or “lip flip”)
- corner of the mouth
- neck bands
- nose
- chin dimples
- angle of the jaw or masseter muscle
- axilla or underarms to reduce hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating
What is the difference between Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Jeuveau?
All these products are a form of purified botulinum toxin and are FDA approved for the treatment of facial wrinkles. Each of them has subtle differences, but they are very similar in the mechanism of action and results (as demonstrated by scientific studies). Physicians may prefer one product to another for certain areas of the face. Some patients feel that one works better than others. Dr. Aquadro or Dr. Bond will discuss the products with you at your consultation.
Who is not a good candidate for botox?
- Pregnant or nursing women
- People with neuromuscular disorders (ALS, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, etc.)
- People with known sensitivities to human albumin or Botox
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WARNING: DISTANT SPREAD OF TOXIN EFFECT | Postmarketing reports indicate that the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic and all botulinum toxin products may spread from the area of injection to produce symptoms consistent with botulinum toxin effects. These may include asthenia, generalized muscle weakness, diplopia, ptosis, dysphagia, dysphonia, dysarthria, urinary incontinence and breathing difficulties. These symptoms have been reported hours to weeks after injection. Swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life threatening and there have been reports of death. The risk of symptoms is probably greatest in children treated for spasticity but symptoms can also occur in adults treated for spasticity and other conditions, particularly in those patients who have an underlying condition that would predispose them to these symptoms. In unapproved uses, including spasticity in children, and in approved indications, cases of spread of effect have been reported at doses comparable to those used to treat cervical dystonia and upper limb spasticity and at lower doses.
Spread of Toxin Effects: In some cases, the effects of Dysport and all botulinum toxin products may affect areas of the body away from the injection site. Symptoms can happen hours to weeks after injection and may include swallowing and breathing problems, loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, or loss of bladder control. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life threatening and there have been reports of death. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection.
WARNING: DISTANT SPREAD OF TOXIN EFFECT See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. The effects of all botulinum toxin products, including JEUVEAU, may spread from the area of injection to produce symptoms consistent with botulinum toxin effects. These symptoms have been reported hours to weeks after injection. Swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life threatening and there have been reports of death. JEUVEAU is not approved for the treatment of spasticity or any conditions other than glabellar lines.