Botox Basics

Botox and Dysport (brand names) are purified proteins that are produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. They are used to temporarily improve the wrinkles and signs of aging of the face. Both have been used safely for over 10 years.

Uses for Toxins:

• Lifting brows
• Improve wrinkles of the forehead, between eye and crows feet (sides of eyes)
• Treat excessive sweating of underarms, hands and feet

Botox for excessive sweating:

Botox is very effective for the treatment of uncontrollable sweating of the underarms hands and feet. There is usually mild temporary weakness of the treated limb. This usually lasts 2-3 weeks. The improvement in sweating can last for 6 months or longer.

How Toxins work

A few drops of toxin are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle causing the wrinkle. Over the next few days the toxin effect begins. The toxin blocks motor impulses to the muscle which temporarily weakens the muscle and causes the wrinkle in the overlying skin to gradually soften and disappear. The effects last about two to four months.

It takes 10-14 days to see the full effect of Botox takes place. If you have an event coming up plan to come in 1 month ahead of time. If this is your first time having Botox plan on having a trial run 3-4 months before the event to make sure you are happy with the look of the Botox. This is especially important for brides!

Possible side effects of Toxins

• When injected in the forehead there is a small chance of bruising. This usually lasts for 5-7 days.
• When injected around the eyes there is a small risk of drooping of the brows (called Ptosis). This is also temporary and can be improved with medicated eye drops.
• When injected into the underarms or hands there is mild, temporary weakness of the hand. For example, it might be more difficult to open a tight jar, but typing ability would not be affected.

Although toxins are safe, they should not be used in pregnant women or anyone with specific neurological diseases.