Signs of Botox

Does botox betray?

In 2008, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reported that doctors administered five million Botox injections in the United States. Men and women alike seek noninvasive surgical procedures to reduce lines and wrinkles. In some cases, whether Botox has been administered is hard to judge; in other cases, it's blaringly obvious.

History

According to the website awakeningskincare.com, tiny amounts of Botox were first used in the 1950s to temporarily stop muscles spasms and contractions. Initially approved in 1989 to treat eye muscle disorders, such as crossed eyes, doctors noticed additional injection benefits: minimized eye and brow wrinkles. In April of 2002, after further study, the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic use.

Function

Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a nerve poison used in small doses to smooth away skin creases. According to Consumer Affairs, "Botox works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. The muscle injected with Botox can no longer contract, causing wrinkles to relax and disappear." Face muscles paralyze and wrinkles diminish up to 80 percent for a temporary period. Botox, according to injectablesafety.org, smooths the area between the brow, crow's feet, forehead creases, frown lines, and bands on the neck.

Effects

Ironically, the ability of Botox to eradicate wrinkles is the key indication treatment occurred. Smooth, immobile foreheads, missing wrinkles between the eyebrows, lack of crow's feet and overall puffiness all betray that someone has received Botox treatments. Often a patient's neck may look uncharacteristically more wrinkled than the face. Faces appear expressionless or as though a person has a constantly surprised look. Another Botox indication is when the ends of the brows appear slightly higher or the upper eyelid appears droopier. Botox patients, especially over-injected faces, lose movement and part or all of the ability to convey facial emotion.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of Botox according to the FDA are: dry mouth, pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, nausea, eye problems and allergic reactions (itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, dizziness or feeling faint). While most of these symptoms are temporary, studies on Botox's long-term effects do not yet exist.

Time Frame and Misconceptions

Results of Botox treatments differ in longevity, but most benefits last approximately three to six months. Feeling will gradually return to the paralyzed areas.

Injectables have limitations. Botox cannot reverse lines from sun damage. According to awakeningskincare.com, "One thing that most people don't know about Botox, however, is that it does not work on the kind of wrinkles that happen naturally with age, as collagen breaks down. It only works on the lines that are associated with repetitive muscle use."

Considerations

Only recruit a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to administer Botox. Medical experience, proper injection placement, dosage, patient history, recovery and skill are all important questions when thinking about getting Botox treatments. Success varies with skin type, thickness and condition.

Warnings

Botox presents serious challenges for regulation and improper use. Administered in improper settings by unqualified doctors within too short a time frame, poses unknown risks to the individual. Do not rub the injection site after a treatment or the poison will spread.

References

• Health News
• Awakening Skin Care
• Consumer Affairs

Resources

• FDA Medication Guide
• History of Botox
• Injectable Safety.org