There has never been a confirmed serious case of the botulinum toxin effect spreading away from the injection site when BOTOX Cosmetic is used as directed to treat frown lines, crow’s feet lines, and forehead lines. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can benefit most from this treatment. Contact BOTOX SAN DIEGO now!
The FDA-approved neurotoxin BOTOX relaxes targeted muscles responsible for facial lines and wrinkles. It is a safe, effective treatment, but it should only be administered by an experienced healthcare professional. This medicine is made from botulinum toxin, which comes from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Doctors inject this protein in small doses to temporarily paralyze muscle. When injected into the skin for cosmetic treatments, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and neck. It is also used to treat some medical conditions, including eyelid spasms and some types of migraines.
To get started, your physician will rub an anesthetic cream over the injection site. Using a very thin needle, the provider will inject BOTOX into the areas affected by your concerns. The procedure is painless and usually takes just a few minutes. Patients report that the sensation is similar to a slight pinch. The results appear gradually, over the course of a few days to a few weeks. It is recommended that you receive regular treatments, with sessions spaced out about three months apart.
In addition to its cosmetic applications, BOTOX is approved by the FDA to treat several medical conditions. It reduces involuntary muscle contractions (dystonia and writer’s cramp) and it decreases the frequency of migraine headaches. It also treats excessive sweating by blocking nerve signals that trigger the glands to produce acetylcholine.
Another condition that BOTOX can treat is acromegaly, a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone. It can be a debilitating condition for those who suffer from it, as it can cause severe facial and body drooping. BOTOX injections can help prevent the drooping that often occurs with this condition by reducing the amount of acetylcholine produced in the body. This will reduce the severity of the acromegaly, and in some cases, it may even cure it altogether. BOTOX can be used for this condition by injecting it into the forehead and other areas where acromegaly is a concern. This is usually done with a very thin needle, and the results are noticeable within a few days.
Safety
BOTOX is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by bacteria that can paralyze muscles. When injected, it blocks the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from nerve endings. This prevents muscle contraction and allows for relaxation of the muscles. It was originally used in the medical world to treat spasms and excessive underarm sweating, but it quickly gained popularity as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. The FDA approved its use for cosmetic uses in the United States in 2002, and it is now the leading brand of its kind. Other brands, such as Dysport, are similar and are available in other countries.
BOTOX injections are safe and effective for most patients. The most common adverse effects are well-localized and reversible. Mild bruising, or ecchymosis, occurs in 11% to 25% of patients. This complication results from injury to blood vessels at the injection site. A more serious complication is a hematoma, which requires immediate treatment to prevent infection and abscess formation.
Patients with certain muscle or nerve conditions, such as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, may have increased risk of side effects. Tell your doctor about any of these conditions before you receive a BOTOX injection.
In rare cases, BOTOX can spread from the injection site to other parts of the body and cause muscle weakness or vision problems. This happens when the toxin diffuses beyond the area injected into other muscles and nerve cells. The risk of this is much higher for therapeutic BOTOX injections than for cosmetic ones.
BOTOX should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is unknown whether it passes into breast milk or could harm a baby. It is also important to avoid this medication if you have any known allergies. This includes cow’s milk protein, which is found in some products containing this drug. Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Aside from the bruising associated with the injection process, most of the side effects associated with BOTOX are localized and temporary. Most occur immediately at the injection site and disappear within a few days. Occasionally, there are more significant side effects that develop a few weeks after treatment and last several months. These include a general weakness and blurred vision, as well as problems with swallowing. These are usually the result of injuring a blood vessel close to the injection site. Bruising (ecchymosis) and pain are also sometimes the result of this injury.
If the muscles weaken, you may have difficulty performing certain activities such as driving or operating machinery. You may also experience a loss of bladder control, dry mouth, eye problems including double vision and drooping eyelids, and difficulty speaking or breathing. If these effects persist for more than 4 months, your doctor will probably recommend additional treatment sessions.
It is important to discuss your entire medical history with your doctor before you receive an injection of botulinum toxin. Tell your doctor if you have: a history of bleeding problems; eye surgery; certain eye problems (glaucoma); heart disease; diabetes; signs of infection near the injection site; nerve problems, such as shingles or Bell’s palsy; muscle/nerve disorders, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease-ALS or myasthenia gravis; seizures; use of other botulinum toxin products in the past 4 months (tell your doctor exactly which product you used); any allergies; and medications and supplements including: aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins and minerals.
The most serious side effect is spread of the botulinum toxin effect away from the injection site, which can lead to loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness; double vision; drooping of the eyelids; difficulty swallowing or breathing; and other symptoms. Get medical help right away if these serious symptoms occur: chest pain; severe headache; muscle weakness or difficulty breathing; difficulty moving your arms, legs, or jaw; vision changes; fainting; or other unusual symptoms. This medication is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers. It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk.
Precautions
If you have any questions about BOTOX, or any other injectables we offer at The Laser Lounge, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to help!
As with any medical procedure, there are certain precautions to take when getting BOTOX injections. Before the appointment, it’s important to cleanse your face and avoid using moisturizers or makeup that can increase bleeding or bruising at the injection sites. You should also let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you’re taking, especially blood-thinning drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
You should also tell your doctor if you have had any eye surgery (especially cataracts); are allergic to botulinum toxin or any of its ingredients; have a nerve disease (such as ALS or myasthenia gravis); have problems emptying your bladder or need routine catheterization; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the future; or are breastfeeding.
The most common side effects of BOTOX are bruising and a temporary headache. Bruising is more likely if you have very fair skin or a thinner layer of fat under the skin, and it’s usually more noticeable on the forehead than in other areas. Some people also experience a mild pain or burning sensation during or right after treatment. This is usually due to the needle penetrating the skin. It goes away quickly, however, and it’s not a serious concern.
After treatment, it’s a good idea to sleep on your back to minimize the pressure on facial muscles. You should also try to limit exercise for 24 hours, since strenuous activity increases your heart rate and can affect the effectiveness of the treatment. It’s also a good idea to avoid rubbing or massaging the area afterward, since it can spread the effects of the injection.
The results of BOTOX are generally visible within days, and can last from 3 to 6 months. Repeat treatments can maintain and extend the effect of the drug. Your provider will evaluate your progress after each session and determine whether additional treatment is recommended. It’s important to get your treatments from an experienced provider, as this can make all the difference in minimizing side effects and achieving the desired results.