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Home > Patient Services > Botox

Botox

What is Botox?

Botox is a natural, purified protein produced by the clostridium botulinum bacterium. It was discovered by an ophthalmologist in the early 1970's to correct medical conditions, such as crossed eyes and twitching facial muscles. Along with the injection's ability to temporarily treat patients with the mentioned medical needs, the use of Botox Cosmetic has become very popular to relax the facial muscles that cause fine lines and wrinkles.

How does Botox work?

Botox is a simple, nonsurgical procedure. Very small quantities are injected into facial muscles. The Botox blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected area and in a sense, temporarily paralyzes the muscle. Whether the area is in the upper eyelid and the injection is used to stop a very annoying lid twitch, or if the injection is placed in the furrow between the eyebrows to eliminate the worry lines by relaxing the muscle and allowing the overlying skin to appear smoother... Botox is an effective medication.

When is Botox used?

Botox can be used for many purposes, but in our practice, it is mainly used for the treatment of blepharospasm, hemifacial spasms, strabismus and glabellar lines.

Blepharospasm is a localized movement disorder that affects the muscles that control eyelid movement. The disorder is characterized by increased blinking caused by involuntary spasms of muscles controlling the eyelid.

Hemifacial spasm is a movement disorder produced by a peripheral nerve, causing intermittent twitching of muscles.

Strabismus is characterized by a deviation in alignment of one eye from the other. In adults, it can occur gradually or rapidly. The most common form of strabismus causes one eye to turn toward the nose. It may also cause the eye to turn away from the nose or up or down.

Glabellar lines are the wrinkles between the brows caused by the contraction of muscles.

Do Botox injections hurt? What can I expect during the procedure?

Most patients describe the actual injections as feeling like a little bee sting. There is minimal, temporary discomfort during the injection. The injections only take a few minutes and for those that feel the need, a local anesthetic cream can be administered a short time prior to the injections. Once the injections are completed, there will be a slight redness at each injection site for a brief period of time. Most patients leave the office and resume their full activities.

When will I see the results and how long will they last?

Botox injections do not take effect immediately. The process moves slowly and is slightly different for each individual. You may begin to notice a change as early as 3 days, but for most patients, it usually occurs somewhere between 7 - 10 days following the injection. Patients usually see the maximum effect by the 14th day.

As gradually as the Botox took effect, it will just as gradually disappear. Most patients notice the effect lasting from 3 to 5 months. Some patients plan repeat injections before the entire effect has worn off, so as not to let the muscle tighten again causing either the twitching lid or the facial line to reappear.

Who is a good candidate for Botox?

Anyone who has a medical condition that could benefit from the injection or anyone who is concerned about the appearance of facial fine lines or wrinkles can consider a Botox injection. Botox Cosmetic can be administered to anyone, male or female, from age 18 to 65. Your Eye Care physician can help you decide if Botox is right for you.

Is Botox Cosmetic expensive?

Compared to other aesthetic options, such as professional hair styling and coloring, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, Botox Cosmetic is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2000 survey, Botox Cosmetic is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures, ranking seventh of the nine most widely used procedures in the United States. In addition, unlike other plastics procedures, effects are impressive but not dramatic. The change will be obvious to you. But, as for your family, friends and co-workers, they will notice a subtle refreshing change to your appearance that simply allows you to step back in time by a few years.

For more information about Botox or for a cost estimate, please contact the patient advisor by phone at 330-747-2733 or by email at info@eyecareassociates.com