Botox is a form of purified protein which is created from a bacteria – much like penicillin is made. The proteins injected into different areas of the body to produce localized muscle relaxation. For 20 years, the protein was used for problems like cerebral palsy, chronic muscular pain, vocal cord dysfunction and visual disturbances.
In the 1990’s, a married pair of Canadian ophthalmologists by the name of Carruthers made the discovery that botox could be used to decrease wrinkles. They noticed that when botox was used for tension headaches, for instance, the lines in the forehead and between the eyes disappeared. From there, they perfected their technique and started to teach it to others. Theme dication works by blocking a chemical release between nerves and their related muscles. When the muscles can no longer contract normally, the skin overlying the muscle becomes flat and lines in the face diminish. These days, botox is used in several areas of the face in addition to those on the forehead. It can be used for “bunny lines” on the nose, crow’s feet, neck lines and the droopy lines that can occur at the sides of the mouth. In addition, it is used safely to treat hyperhydrosis – which is the condition of excessive sweating in the armpits orhands.Many women are concerned that they will look “frozen” after a botox treatment. That should not happen with good injections. The goal is to produce a look that is well-rested and relaxed. Many people look 5 years younger after treatment. Other women worry about side-effects - botox is safe in experienced hands. Side effects are generally mild and short term, but you need to discuss more serious complications such as eyelid drooping (3%) with your injector.Most people begin to see results within 3-5 days and most will have very good results.
Occasionally, botox doesn’t work at all ( less than 5% of the population) Sometimes, adjustments to the dose need to be made in order to achieve optimal results. Once initial treatments are started, the effects last longer and longer. Many lines that were starting to become permanent will completely disappear. Others will soften.The best approach is to find a practitioner with whom you can feel comfortable with – one who listens to the objective that YOU wish to achieve. He or she should ideally have several years of experience with the product and be willing to provide a thorough initial consultation before treatment is undertaken.
FAQs
Botox and other Neuromodulators (Xeomin/Dysport)
What are neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are treatments for wrinkles which have been caused by repeated movements. The most commonly treated areas include:
- Lines around the eyes, known as crow’s feet, caused by squinting or smiling
- The horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows
- The lines and folding of the skin between the eyebrows (glabella) caused by frowning
- Downward turning of the mouth (DAO), and
- Neck bands(platysma)
- Lips
Are they safe?
Yes! They have been available for 20 years, and have been used to treat many diseases. In fact, it is used in children as young as 2 years old to treat cerebral palsy. It has been proven to be very safe through extensive testing and research.
Will it poison me?
No, it is not toxic to you and it is not a poison. The product is a natural, purified protein - it is NOT the bacteria that causes botulism. Botox is a Health Canada approved drug that is used in very tiny doses and it comes from a naturally occurring bacterium – similar to how Penicillin comes from mould.
How do I know it won’t be toxic to me?
Typically for a cosmetic treatment, you may receive fewer than 100 units. To make someone ill, you would have to receive OVER 35 times this dose all at one time directly into a vein, which would NEVER happen.
How does it work?
Neuromuscular blockers work by simply relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.
How long does the procedure take?
Generally, after the consultation, the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. Since there is no down time, you can do it during your lunch hour, and no one would know that you have done it.
How quickly does it work?
It can take up to 2 weeks for the product to take full effect. Usually, we ask patients to wait for the full 14 days to pass in order to see the full result
How is it done?
It is injected with a very tiny needle (it only feels like a little pinch).
How long does the effect last? Is it permanent?
No, it is not permanent. The results will last 3-4 months on average but everyone is different. If you follow the directions give to you by your injector and book your first 3 treatments promptly every 3-4 months (without waiting in between), you may eventually be able to increase the duration of the results (4-6 months).
Does it hurt?
Most patients say that the injections feel similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. Following a treatment we often hear patients remark “is that all?”!
Is it going to be worse when it wears off?
No! Your face will never get worse if you stop using neuromodulators, or when it wears off. They “stop or slow” the clock of aging. When you stop receiving treatments, the “aging clock” will resume as normal. At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use neuromodulators for a number of years and then stop – your muscles learn to relax and therefore you will end up looking a little better than you did when you originally started.
How much does it cost?
The cost of treatment varies by each patient, but a personal consultation can give you the exact amount. The cost can range from $300 and up depending on the area being treated. There are a few things you should consider in addition to price: What type of medical professional is performing the treatment? Has the medical professional had a lot of experience injecting neuromodulators? Is the medical professional gentle and using the latest techniques to ensure a great result?
I don’t want to look like a mask without expression – will that happen?
No! Your injector will ensure that you get the look you want – as natural as you want. Most people simply want to look natural, relaxed and refreshed, without looking “done”. In the experienced hands of the professionals at our clinic, patients typically say that no one knows that they had anything done. Friends simply say that they look well rested and great!
What is a Unit?
A unit of a neuromodulator is simply a very tiny measurement of a medication. The exact number of units you require (to achieve the desired result) will be discussed during your confidential consultation. For example, to treat the glabella (frown lines between the eyebrows) usually requires 25-50 units.
What are the side effects?
Side effects are rare and are not permanent. Rarely, there can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered up with makeup) or a slight short-term headache. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.
I have heard that you can get a drooping eyelid – is this true?
Yes, but it is a very rare side effect. The incidence of this side effect is less than 1% and will last from only a few days to a few weeks. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.
Where does it go in my body?
This medication stays local in the muscles that are injected. After the injections, it is simply metabolized and broken down into natural by-products.