BOTOX

BOTOX© At A Glance

The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, usually called by its product name Botox©, is a popular non-surgical treatment that for a while decreases or eliminates frown wrinkles, forehead creases, crows feet around 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 patients ages 18-65.

In 2000, it was approved for the treatment of cervical dystonia (a condition that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions).

An unusual side effect of the eye disorder treatment, doctors observed that Botox softened the frown wrinkles 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 reduction of frown lines between their brows as moderate to good one month after being treated. Results can last for up to four months, and may vary.

BOTOX© Surgery Procedure

The technique begins with a pre-operative meeting with the doctor where you are provided with careful instructions about how to get ready for the procedure.

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

The location, size, and use of the muscles that create a furrowed brow vary markedly among individuals. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that create wrinkles while resulting in the skin a smoother, more refreshed smoothness.

You will probably notice a marked improvement in the moderate to severe wrinkles between your brows within a few days. If you do not continue procedures, the frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did at the time of treatment.

Prior to having the technique done, the patient will be prepared to realize that BOTOX© does not finally erase lines but relaxes them. What this means is that deeper wrinkles will become somewhat less deep and tiny wrinkles will virtually disappear. But BOTOX© Cosmetic will not radically improve your facial appearance.

It is surprising to see how many people do not remember how they looked before the procedure and are surprised by the difference when shown a picture.

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

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Risks And Complications Of BOTOX©

Botox© has been widely used for more than eleven years with over 1 million patients.

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

If you think you are having an allergic reaction or other unexplained symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, talking or breathing, call your surgeon immediately.

BOTOX© Costs

Surgeons fees for BOTOX© are usually between $10 and $20 per injection. The number of injections varies from patient to patient. Fees for the operating room can significantly raise the total. In addition the fees are often higher in some large urban areas.

Check with your doctor to learn the exact cost at the time of making your decision. There are options for financing the fees over time.

Questions To Ask Your Liposuction Surgeon

You will normally have a consultation with your doctor at the time of agreeing to any kind of procedure. You want to take plenty of time to get your complete questions answered. Also you may ask to see at the time of and after photos to get a better understanding of what is probable.

When it comes to selecting a physician-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 benefits and risks involved in the procedure.

Some questions you will probably ask typically include:

• Am I being realistic about my desired outcome?
• Where will the technique be done and how much time will it take?
• What is the recovery time for doing various activities?
• What is the total this will cost me?
• How much practice have you had performing this technique?
• How often do complications happen?
• What if I am not happy with the results?

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

BOTOX in the News

Vegas doctor convicted of using Botox substitute (AP via Yahoo! Finance)

11/21/2008 A doctor and his wife have been convicted of treating patients with a Botox knockoff at their Las Vegas clinic. Federal jurors returned the verdict late Wednesday against 53-year-old Dr. 
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Doctor Convicted of Injecting Fake Botox in Patients (Fox News)

11/21/2008 A doctor and his wife have been convicted of treating patients with a Botox knockoff at their Las Vegas clinic. 
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Doc: Prozac May Let You Down, but Botox Always Works (NBC New York)

11/21/2008 A fresh-faced 26-year-old writer visited a series of dermatologists for consultations, and was told again and again that she could use a little Botox. But then, who can't? 
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Vegas doctor convicted of using Botox substitute (INO News)

11/21/2008 (AP:LAS VEGAS) A doctor and his wife have been convicted of treating patients with a Botox knockoff at their Las Vegas clinic. Federal jurors returned the verdict late Wednesday against 53-year-old Dr. Stephen Lee Seldon and 41-year-old Deborah Martinez Seldon. 
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Vegas doctor convicted of using Botox substitute (The Charlotte Observer)

11/20/2008 (The Associated Press) A doctor and his wife have been convicted of treating patients with a Botox knockoff at their Las Vegas clinic. Federal jurors returned the verdict late Wednesday against 53-year-old Dr. Stephen Lee Seldon and 41-year-old Deborah Martinez Seldon. They are convicted of mail fraud and adulterating a drug while held for sale. Deborah Seldon was her husband's office assistant ... 
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