If you think those "crow's feet" and "frown lines"
between your eyes are forever, think again. When you smile or frown,
the facial muscles beneath the skin contract causing a wrinkle.
Over time, those wrinkles appear even when you aren't smiling or
frowning. Botox, also known as cosmetic denervation, is used to
eliminate or reduce these wrinkles. Botox works by blocking the
impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles thereby relaxing them.
The result is that the pull of the underlying facial muscles relaxes
causing the skin to flatten.
THE PROCEDURE:
During the procedure Botox liquid is injected into strategic locations
in the face. The needle is extremely small and the pain is minimal
needing no anesthetic. A small of amount of discomfort is felt when
the needle is inserted and the liquid injected. This sensation lasts
approximately five seconds. Botox® is injected into various
parts of the face in very small amounts. The entire process takes
only a few minutes.
FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE:
Because no sedative or anesthetic is used, patients can return to
normal activities immediately after the procedure. Dr. Engen may
recommend acetaminophen should a mild headache develop. He may also
suggest the patient not lie down for three or four hours following
treatment. Some facial exercises may also be recommended.
HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST:
The treatment takes three to eight days to take effect, lasting
three to six months. It usually takes two to three injections a
year to maintain the smooth youthful appearance. When the toxin
begins to wear off, the wrinkles begin to reappear. However, they
are usually not as deep as the original ones. Clinical studies suggest
that after several rounds of treatment, the patient may require
injections less often.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
There are no serious side effects associated with Botox. On rare
occasions, the needle may puncture a blood vessel, which can result
in a bruise around the treated area. This disappears in a few days.
Another side effect that occurs only rarely is a slight drooping
of the eyebrow or upper eyelid. Fortunately, when this occurs, it
corrects itself in two to three weeks.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR THE PROCEDURE:
The best candidates for the procedure are those between the ages
of 30 and 65. In many cases, wrinkles in people over the age of
65 are not caused by muscle pull but rather by sun damage. Each
person is different and must be evaluated by Dr. Engen.
Some wrinkles of the face are not caused by the muscles pulling
on the skin and therefore are not disposed to this treatment. These
include wrinkles caused by trauma, scarring, or sun damage. Botox
works best on the wrinkles appearing on the upper third of the face
because if used on the lower portion, it might cause distortion
of a person's smile or facial expressions. Botox® injections
may not be suitable for persons with pre-existing medical conditions
or allergies. Dr. Engen will take a complete medical history to
determine if the patient is a good candidate for the treatment.
WHAT RESULTS CAN BE EXPECTED?
This procedure will smooth a variety of wrinkles. It is not designed
to take the place of the standard facelift or other facial surgical
procedures, and is often used in conjunction with other procedures.
To discuss Botox or other skin care or cosmetic needs, call Todd
B. Engen, M.D., or a member of his staff at (801) 426-LOOK or (800)
854-6201.
Excel Cosmetic Surgery Center `1735 N State St. Provo,UT ` (801)379-2900
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