Botox: A Great Solution for your Wrinkle Issues
The procedure has been around for about 20 years. In the late 1980's, Botox was originally used by ophthalmologists to treat optic muscle issues, such as uncontrolled blinking and lazy eye. However, cosmetic surgeons quickly discovered that it can also be an excellent tool to fight facial wrinkles.
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for the product made out of Botulinum Toxin Type A, which is most commonly associated with food poisoning. It disrupts the release of acetylcholine, weakening the muscle it is acting on. When used in small, diluted concentrations, it can be very effective in reducing wrinkles.
Botox is commonly used to treat:
• Ocular muscle spasms
• Eye coordination issues
• Severe armpit perspiration
• Frown lines
• Crow's feet
• Furrows in the forehead
• Migraine headaches
• Foot pain caused by wearing high heeled shoes
Wrinkles caused by sun damage are not treatable by Botox.
Am I a Candidate?
Just about anyone can be an ideal candidate for Botox. The majority of people receiving treatment are between the ages of 35 and 60. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease, you are not a candidate for Botox.
The Botox Procedure
Botox injections are performed on an outpatient basis without anesthesia. The entire procedure can be completed within 20 to 30 minutes.
Your cosmetic surgeon will select several injection points for each region you are treating. The injections are not made on the wrinkle, they are administered at the place where your muscle contracts. When injected, the toxins in Botox will attach to the nerve endings of your muscles, halting the release of acetylcholine. This prevents your muscles from engaging in the contractions that cause your skin to wrinkle.
It will generally take about a week for the results to be noticeable, and they will last for 3-5 months. You should not drink alcohol or take anti-inflammatory medications for at least two weeks before receiving Botox. This will help reduce the risk of bruising.
You will be able to resume all regular activity immediately. However, it is best to avoid exposure to the sun for a few days.
Side Effects
Side effects from Botox are very minor and generally go away within a few days. The most common side effects are:
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Redness and pain at the injection points
• Droopy eyelids
It is important to avoid rubbing the treated region for at least 12 hours after receiving the injections. This could cause the Botox to migrate to other areas of your body.
If you are considering Botox in the San Francisco, California area, please visit the website of Dr. Randall B. Weil, M.D., F.A.C.S. today to schedule an initial consultation.
Source: Dr. Randall B. Weil, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Website: http://www.randallweil.com
