Botox approved for cosmetic purposes
GREENSBURG – If April 15 caused you to frown, grimace or otherwise contort your face in torment over the income tax deadline, don’t worry, at least about those frown lines. On the same day, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes. Voted one of the top five discoveries of the 20th century in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery, Botox, or Botulinum Toxin, can be used to hide the lines of time and worry.
During the-mid 1980s, Botox was introduced as a treatment for blepharospasm or eyelid twitch.
Physicians observed that, on the side treated with Botox, patients were also experiencing an interesting side effect, a decrease of wrinkles or “crow’s feet” around the eye.
As one might guess, facial wrinkles result from either sun damage or chronic muscle use.
Smiling, frowning or grimacing produces muscle retraction and the eventual formation of creases in these areas.
Botox works by blocking the neuromuscular synapse of the muscle, in which it is injected, resulting in a localized chemical denervation muscle paralysis. The paralysis is transient, meaning that it is temporary.
By using Botox, a cosmetic surgeon paralyzes the muscle beneath the areas of concern, thus, producing smooth, wrinkle-free skin. Generally, Botox is used in the forehead and brow regions as well as around the eyes.
Additionally, Botox can be used in conjunction with other surgical and non-surgical rejuvenating procedures for the face.
For example, patients who undergo chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing are treating the external wrinkles and skin irregularities caused by sun damage and environmental pollutants.
Botox can then be used to treat the cause of deep wrinkles by treating the muscle beneath the skin. This complements the initial procedure, resulting in marked improvement and ultimately, a more youthful look.
Botox can also be used in combination with collagen to enhance and prolong the effects of collagen.
In a 1999 study published in “The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” in February 1999, a journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, of the 1,500 patients, ages 30 to 77, who were treated with Botox, 98.5 percent had good to excellent results with 1.5 percent having fair results.
Due to the transient nature of Botox, current treatment recommendations suggest a follow-up treatment seven to 10 days following the initial treatment with the individual again returning in four to five months and at one year.
The rationale for this follow-up comes from the notion that if the muscle stays paralyzed over a long period of time, muscle atrophy will occur, resulting in a muscle weakness and decreased wrinkles. In fact, it has been noted that the more the patient receives treatment, the duration of the clinical effect lengthens.
Botox injections take just a few minutes using a very small needle to minimize discomfort. Reportedly, no permanent damage caused by Botox has occurred. There is a chance of local bruising at the injection site or a slight drooping of the eyelid, both of which are temporary side effects.
If you choose your surgeon wisely, Botox use has proven to be safe.
If you have any questions regarding Botox use or would like more information on this cosmetic rejuvenating procedure, call Dr. Michael S. Kluska at The Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg at 724-836-0400.