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What Is Botox?Botox is a protein produced by a bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, which can relax muscles. It's been used for years by opthalmologists to improve certain muscle-related eye conditions, such as when a child's eye "looks" in the wrong direction (strabismus or "lazy eye"). Colstridium botulinum is able to relax the muscle that causes the misguided eye movement, thus correcting the problem. It's also used for the treatment of cervical dystonia, a disorder characterized by severe muscle contractions in the neck and shoulder. A Cosmetic Breakthrough A decade or so ago, a Canadian husband/wife team of physicians, Alistair and Jean Caruthers, discovered that some of the people who were receiving Colstridium botulinum injections for eye problems also experienced a reduction in forehead wrinkles. Studies were undertaken, and in 2002, Botox received clearance by the Food and Drug Administartion (FDA) for the treatment of glabellar, or "frown" lines, between the eyes. It has since also received FDA approval for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. Botox is sometimes used for other cosmetic purposes, but these uses are considered "off label." | What Botox Treats Over time, as the sun damages your skin, the temporary wrinkles that form on your forehead when you move your facial muscles may become permanent, making you look stern, tired or angry even when the underlying muscles are still. This happens because the sun degrades the skin so much that it loses its ability to "snap" back into place. Botox relaxes the muscles under those wrinkles, thus smoothing out the brow. Some physicians use Botox very carefully around the lips. If applied in sparing amounts, Botox may improve wrinkles in this facial area, but there is a risk of immobilizing the lips, which is obviously not desirable. Botox is being used with increasing frequency to relax the platysma muscle, the tightened bands of muscle in the front of the neck that become more visible with age. Botox injections can help minimize their appearance. Botox can also improve depressed eyebrows, and it is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the underarms or hands. Botox is often used in conjunction with lasers and fillers to enhance the overall results of those treatments. Botox Side EffectsBotox is a safe and effective treatment when used in accordance with FDA-approved procedures. Any side effects are generally minor, if they occur at all. When side effects do occur, they're usually the result of over-treatment. If used in excess, Botox may immobilize too much of your face — or areas of your face you don't want immobilized, such as your lips. Your Botox provider will discuss all the possible complications that may arise from treatment. Below is a partial review of side effects that have been reported. - Nausea
- Muscle weakness
- Drooping eyelids
- Facial pain
- Heartburn and/or indigestion
- Tooth problems
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dry mouth
- Soreness or bleeding at the site of injection
- Sore throat
Some side effects may indicate an allergic reaction. These include: - Rash or hives
- Swelling
- Difficulty breathing
Seek out medical attention immediately should you experience these or any other side effects. Last modified: October 28, 2009 |
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I go in regularly for Botox. I love it. I shudder to think what I would look like without it,
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I go in regularly for Botox. I love it. I shudder to think what I would look like without it, probably tired and angry. I truly believe that getting Botox regularly has helped me get promotions even. If you are thinking about it, do it. There's nothing to lose!
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Jacksonville,
FL
Sep 08, 2009
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Great Results Every Time With Botox
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I have gotten Botox done a number of times now and I feel like my experience just keeps getting
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I have gotten Botox done a number of times now and I feel like my experience just keeps getting better. I only get a little bit done on my forehead and in between my eyes, but it seems like every time I go in, my results last longer and longer. I have never had a bad experience, and I will keep going in as long as I can afford it.
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Miami,
FL
May 01, 2009
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I Will Continue With Botox Forever!
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I have had only great results with botox every single time I have it done. I started doing it about
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I have had only great results with botox every single time I have it done. I started doing it about 3 years ago as a preventative measure against wrinkles and the overall aging process. I figured if I started early on when I only had a few fine lines, then no one will notice a drastic difference in my appearance later on. I do two areas twice a year, and every time is a success. This is probably one procedure I will stay with.
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Los Angeles,
CA
May 01, 2009
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I'm 44 and recently I had noticed that my crows feet were getting really bad and making me look
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I'm 44 and recently I had noticed that my crows feet were getting really bad and making me look super aged. I contacted a local spa and decided to have Botox done to correct the problem. Big mistake. It was great for the first week and a half. Almost all of my wrinkles around my eyes were gone. After that though, my smile and facial expressions changed. One side of my mouth just doesn't move. It's horrible! I called my the doctor at the spa and he said it's probably just migration and that it should only last three weeks. Based upon this experience I am not doing Botox again.
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Raleigh,
NC
Apr 30, 2009
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I have been getting Botox for years now. I always love the way that I look when I come out of my
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I have been getting Botox for years now. I always love the way that I look when I come out of my doctor's office, 10 years younger. It has never failed me and I have never had any adverse side effects. My advice- do your research on doctors. Know who is injecting you and start off with a smaller amount to see how your body will react. Most of all, know that you are going to look amazing!
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Ft Lauderdale,
FL
Apr 21, 2009
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I always have taken good care of my skin, but lately the wrinkles that had developed across my
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I always have taken good care of my skin, but lately the wrinkles that had developed across my forehead and in between my eyes was really bothering me. I finally broke down and had some Botox injections done. Now I am wondering why I waited so long! The results are great! I look refreshed and younger, and the cost is really very minimal. I will definitely be doing this again.
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Tustin,
CA
Apr 15, 2009
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| Learn More About Wrinkle Relaxers... | | |  |
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Dr. Roy Geronemus discusses the use of Botox for treating dynamic wrinkles.
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How Did Botox
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ChangeYOUR
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83%
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| of reviews werePositive |
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(6 reviews)
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