What is Botox?
Botox is a purified form of a substance called botulinum toxin,
type A. It comes from the bacteria that cause botulism. Injections
of very small amounts of Botox are used to smooth wrinkles on the
face.
How is it used?
Botox is injected into the muscles that cause wrinkles when you
frown, squint, laugh or smile. These muscles are in the forehead
and around the eyes or neck. The injections stop nerve impulses
from moving to the injected muscles, so the muscles relax and the
skin looks smoother.
The shots cause very little discomfort, but your healthcare
provider may numb the area with ice or an anesthetic cream before
giving you the shots. The treatment takes about 10 minutes. The
shots do not cause numbness.
It takes 4 days for Botox to start to relax the muscles. The
results may last up to 4 months. As the muscle returns to normal,
you will see wrinkles again. To keep the effects, you will need to
repeat treatments every 3 to 6 months.
How should I take care of myself after the treatment?
- Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
- You should not bend over or lie down for 6 hours after an
injection to keep the toxin from spreading to other muscles.
- Botox may cause a dry mouth. Sucking on hard, sugar-free candy
or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
- If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the
healthcare provider or dentist that you are taking this
medicine.
What are the benefits?
Fewer wrinkle lines will appear between your brows ("frown lines")
and in other areas where you have the shots. (Deep wrinkle creases
may still show.) The process of wrinkling stops as long as the
Botox is working.
What are the risks?
Before receiving Botox, tell your healthcare provider if you have
ever had heart disease or a nerve or muscle disorder such as ALS
(Lou Gehrig's disease) or myasthenia gravis. Botox may make these
conditions worse.
Do not use Botox if you are pregnant or think you might be
pregnant or if you are breast feeding.
Other possible risks include:
- bruises, stinging or redness around injection sites
- droopy eyelid, which can last for a few weeks
- upset stomach
- headache.
Treatment with this medicine may cause your body to form
antibodies that may make future treatments less effective. You
should receive the lowest effective dose, with at least 3 months
between shots.
Injections in the muscles close to the eyes may cause you to blink
less. This may harm your eyes. Your healthcare provider may
prescribe eyedrops, ointment, soft contact lenses, or an eye patch
to protect your eyes until the medicine has worn off enough for
you to be able to blink normally again.
This substance is the same as the bacterial nerve toxin that
causes botulism. Botulism is a life- threatening illness that
makes it hard for a person to move their arms and legs or even to
breathe. But the risk of botulism from Botox treatment is low if
it is used the right way.
Getting treatment from a qualified physician who is experienced in
using Botox may help to decrease risks. Choose a medical setting
where sterile techniques are used.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your provider right away if:
- You have trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing.
- You feel very weak or have trouble moving.
- You have side effects that continue or get worse.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.