Raleigh Plastic Surgeon explains Botox and provides information on finding a safe, effective treatment. BOTOX is a protein complex that interferes with muscle contraction. It causes the reversible effect of blocking nerve stimulation of muscles where it is injected, so that muscle contraction is weakened or inhibited. BOTOX has been safely used for many years to treat spasms of the muscles that move the eye (strabismus) and uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm). It has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use, and since that time has been marketed as BOTOX Cosmetic.

Many facial wrinkles and creases are active lines caused by muscle contraction, which can be blocked by BOTOX injection. The effect is temporary, usually lasting 3 to 4 months. With repeated injection, the effect may last up to 5 or 6 months. Although some wrinkles and creases may completely disappear (temporarily), it is important to understand that some may improve but not completely disappear. Some people (very few) are resistant to BOTOX and achieve little or no response.

BOTOX is precisely injected through a tiny needle into specific facial muscles. It takes just a few minutes to perform the injections, which generally cause minimal discomfort. BOTOX begins to show its effect after 3 to 7 days.

Areas of the face that respond well include crows feet lines around the eyes, vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, and transverse lines on the forehead. In some instances, BOTOX can be used to soften nasolabial folds and vertical upper lip lines, and even to elevate the nasal tip.

Permanent improvement in facial wrinkles and creases can be accomplished with a variety of techniques, including non-invasive collagen remodeling, laser resurfacing, structural fat grafting and surgery. Not all wrinkles are appropriate targets for BOTOX, so the evaluation and treatment of every face must be individualized.

What about BOTOX parties?

BOTOX is an injectable pharmacologic agent, and is most appropriately administered in a medical setting. It is my feeling that a party is not the appropriate setting for the administration of a medical treatment, particularly an injectable one. The BOTOX party that is held outside of a medical setting is a marketing strategy used to promote the treatment and to perhaps make it less intimidating to the general public. Before joining the party, ask yourself the following questions:

Have I been asked to provide a complete medical history?
Have I been advised of alternative treatments?
Have risks or potential complications been discussed?
Have I been asked to give my informed consent?
Will I receive adequate follow-up care?