Botox Injections
The subject of botox injections keeps coming up in messageboards I read so I thought I should have a page to define and clarify what they are and how they work. Are you considering Botox Injections? If you are, please read this article by Dr. Michael McLaughlin*, a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Botulinum toxin is a protein made from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Most people are familiar with the toxin for the disease botulism that can be caused by eating contaminated food. This disease is the result of the toxin's blocking affect at the junction between nerves and muscles, resulting in a paralysis that can be fatal. This same toxin is now being used for beneficial treatments.
Local injections of botulinum toxin are FDA-approved to treat spastic and imbalanced muscle conditions such as strabismus, essential blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm. Other conditions associated with muscle spasms can be successfully treated with botulinum toxin, as well as conditions such as writer's cramp and urinary sphincter dysfunction.
The use of botulinum toxin (Botox) has also been applied to cosmetic treatment of "dynamic" wrinkles. These wrinkles are formed from the pull of underlying facial muscles in areas such as the crows feet along the sides of the eyes, the glabellar frown lines in the lower central forehead, the horizontal forehead lines, and the nasolabial folds. The injections are done in the surgeon’s office, sometimes with the guidance of a muscle activity detecting system called electromyography (EMG). Multiple small injections are usually given to the affected area. The paralysed muscle function reduces the pull on the wrinkle, causing it to flatten. The result is temporary, usually lasting approximately four to six months. Repeat injections are necessary for a continued result.
Side effects of Botox injection are usually mild, short term, and well tolerated by patients. Minor pain, swelling, bruising, headache, nausea, and temporary numbness at the injection site can occur. Paralysis of adjacent muscles can also occur, causing problems such as a drooping eyelid when injecting glabellar frown lines. This problems resolves as the effect of the toxin wears off. The safety of botulinum toxin therapy during pregnancy, breast feeding, and in chronic use during childhood is unknown.
Botox injection is a safe therapy when used in appropriate doses by experienced physicians, and patient satisfaction is generally very high. People considering this procedure should seek a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
*Dr. McLaughlin graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, and then received his Medical Doctorate from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. He did his general surgery and plastic surgery residency training at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and was fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery at the University of Utah Medical Center. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (candidate), the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (candidate), the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Northampton County Medical Society, and the Webster Plastic Surgery Society.
