Botulinum toxin treatment information

WRINKLES AND FROWN LINES

A&E Beauty Laser/ 512-921-1411

myskin@aebeautylaser.com

Frown lines are the result of gathering or knitting the tissue between the eyebrows into a fold. These unattractive folds and furrows are caused by the repeated action of underlying muscles associated with facial expression. Years of squinting and frowning tend to leave deep lines and wrinkles in the skin between the eyebrows, and on the bridge of the nose, across the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes. On many people, frown lines produce an angry or sad look that detracts from a pleasant facial appearance. Dermasurgeons can now improve these lines without surgery and without scars by a simple injection of botulinum toxin type A.

WHAT IS BOTULINUM TOXIN?

Botulinum toxin is a purified toxin and, when given orally in large amounts, it blocks the nerve signals from the brain to the muscle, causing a generalized paralysis called botulism.

However, by injecting very tiny amounts into a specific facial muscle, only the targeted impulse of that muscle will be blocked, causing a local relaxation and weakness. In this way, botulinum toxin acts as a muscle blockade to immobilize the underlying cause of the unwanted lines and prevent "wrinkly" expressions.

Botulinum toxin has been used since 1980 to treat many muscle disorders, such as lazy eye, eye ticks and uncontrolled blinking. Pioneered by Dermasurgeons in 1987, the use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes is an unapproved, or "off-label" use of a FDA-cleared drug.  Brand names for botulinum toxins are Botox Cosmetic, and Dysport.

Request your appointment for a Botox consultation or Dysport by email here.

A&E Beauty Laser brings you an experienced national aesthetic trainer and injector extraorinaire, Susan Thivierge, PA.   Her decade of experience and her exact eye recreate the natural youthfullness of the faces for her patients.   

 TREATMENT AREAS

Botulinum toxin is injected directly into the target muscle to treat vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, the squint lines or crows feet at the corners of the eyes, the forehead horizontal lines, and the platysmal muscle bands often visible on the neck, commonly known as turkey neck. It may also be used for eyebrow positioning. Once the muscle is weakened and relaxed, it cannot contract. Since there is no way to make the undesirable facial expression, the lines gradually smooth out from disuse, and new creases are prevented from forming. Other muscles like those needed to raise the eyebrows are not affected so a natural expression is maintained. Botulinum toxin may not be as effective on the smile lines around the mouth because the muscle action in this area is needed for expression and important functions like eating.  See more about Botox for wrinkle treatment areas and before and after pictures here!

BOTULINUM TOXIN THERAPY

 Treatment involves injection of very small amounts of botulinum toxin into the underlying muscles to immobilize them. The actual treatment is well tolerated and takes just a short time with minimal recovery. Botulinum toxin takes effect about 3 to 7 days after treatment. The improvement generally lasts about 3 to 4 months before the effect gradually fades and muscle action returns. It is anticipated that the average patient will require reinjection at various intervals. With repeated treatments, atrophy (thinning) of the muscle may occur which usually produces longer-lasting results.

OTHER APPLICATIONS

Excessive sweating can be alleviated with injections of a highly diluted form of botulinum toxin directly into the underarm skin or skin on the palms and soles of the hand or foot. There it paralyzes the sweat glands of the skin which are responsible for excessive perspiration. A single treatment session can provide months of relief, and experts believe that injections can be repeated indefinitely once or twice a year to maintain dryness.

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects with Botox are minimal and typically relate to the local injection. Soreness or mild bruising, while uncommon, may occur around the injection site. Makeup may be worn after treatment, but care should be taken to avoid pressing or massaging the area for several hours. In rare instances, patients may develop temporary weakness of the neighboring muscles, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid, or a headache.  Always report any side effects to your practictioner.

Request  a consultation on Botox and related facial wrinkle treatments today at myskin@aebeautylaser.com  or 512-921-1411.