BOTOX

BOTOX© At A Glance

The plastic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its brand name Botox©, is a preferred non-surgical treatment that for a while decreases or eliminates frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crows feet by the eyes and thick bands in the neck.

BOTOX© Cosmetic is approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18-65.

In 2000, it was approved to treat cervical dystonia (a disorder that is responsible for severe neck and shoulder contractions).

As an unusual side effect of the eye disorder treatment, physicians noticed that Botox reduced the frown lines between the eyebrows.

In April 2002, the FDA was satisfied by its review of studies indicating that Botox reduced the severity of frown lines for up to 120 days and approved the drug.

BOTOX© Reasons & Benefits

In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed reported the improvement in the smoothness of frown lines between their brows as moderate to good one month after treatment. Results can last for up to four months, and can vary between individuals.

BOTOX© Surgery Procedure

The procedure begins with a pre-operative consultation with the surgeon where you are given careful instructions about how to prepare for the procedure.

Your doctor will give a number of tiny injections of BOTOX© directly into the muscles that cause those moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. No anesthesia is necessary, although your surgeon may decide to numb the area with a cold pack or deadening cream before injecting.

The location, size, and use of the muscles that create a furrowed brow vary markedly among patients. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

You will probably notice an obvious improvement in the moderate to severe frown wrinkles between your brows within a few days. If you do not repeat the procedures, the frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.

Before having the procedure done, the patient should be prepared to understand that BOTOX© does not actually erase lines but relaxes them. What this means is that deeper lines will become a bit less deep and small lines will virtually disappear. But BOTOX© Plastic will not permanently modify your facial appearance.

It is surprising how many people do not recall how they appeared at the time of the technique and are amazed at the difference when shown a picture.

You can expect to be in and out of the physician's a staff without downtime. You can go directly back to your normal activities.

Risks And Complications Of BOTOX©

Botox© has been commonly used for more than 11 years with over one million people.

Over the past 20 years, Botulinum Toxin Type A has been tested in more than 200 studies. There are no documented systemic complications associated with Botox© injections. Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported very seldom.

If you believe you are having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, talking or breathing, call your doctor immediately.

BOTOX© Costs

Surgeons costs for BOTOX© are normally between $10 and $20 per injection. The quantity of injections varies from patient to patient. Fees for the operating room can raise the total. Also the fees are often higher in some major urban areas.

Check with your surgeon to learn the exact cost before making your choice. There are options for paying the fees over time.

Questions To Ask Your Liposuction Surgeon

You should normally have a meeting with your surgeon before agreeing to any kind of surgery. Be sure you take plenty of time to get your complete questions answered. Also you should ask to view before and after photos to get a better understanding of what is probable.

When it comes to selecting a surgeon-administered aesthetic treatment, chances are you'll want proof, not just claims. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery makes these suggestions: Ask questions and be informed about the advantages and risks involved in the procedure.

Some questions you should ask typically include:

Am I being realistic about my desired results?
Where will the technique be done and how long will it take?
What is the healing time for doing various activities?
What is the total this will cost me?
How much experience have you had with this procedure?
How often do problems occur?
What if I am not satisfied with the outcome?

Be sure the surgeon has your complete medical history and understands any allergies or special needs you have.

BOTOX in the News

After Fine, Botox Awaits F.D.A. Approval for Migraine

09/08/2010 Allergan agreed to pay $600 million for Botoxâ€™s marketing getting ahead of approved uses. But the F.D.A. will soon decide on its effectiveness for chronic migraines.
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Allergan sued over Botox off-label marketing

09/08/2010 Allergan Inc. directors should be held liable for opening up the company, maker of wrinkle smoother Botox, to criminal sanctions and a $600 million settlement by allowing the drug to be marketed for unapproved uses, investors said in a lawsuit. Allergan's... Allergan - Off-label use - Marketing - Lawsuit - Food and Drug Administration
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Botox maker to pay $600M to resolve investigation

09/05/2010 Allergan Inc. , the maker of wrinkle-smoothing Botox, has agreed to pay $600 million to settle a yearslong federal investigation into its marketing of the top-selling, botulin-based drug. Allergan - Botox - Health - Business - Wells Fargo
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Carlos Untied: Botox and Waxing Live

09/08/2010 In Wednesday's "Carlos Untied," Carlos goes in search of botox, a popular medical procedure gaining more and more popularity.
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Allergan Directors Are Sued by Shareholders Over Marketing of Botox Drug

09/07/2010 Allergan Inc. directors should be held liable for opening up the maker of wrinkle smoother Botox to criminal sanctions and a $600 million settlement by allowing the drug to be marketed for unapproved uses, investors said in a lawsuit.
Read the rest of the story