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Botox™ is used to make lines or wrinkles between the eye
brows look better. It only lasts for a short time.
Botox™ comes from a kind of bacteria. The bacteria can make you very sick.
But doctors have found that a chemical in Botox™ can also help treat some
health problems. Botulinum toxin has been used since 1980 to treat many
muscle disorders such as lazy eye and uncontrolled blinking. It was
pioneered by dermatologic surgeons for cosmetic use in 1987.
How was this found?
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Botox™ over 10 years ago to
treat certain problems with the eye muscle. Doctors noticed that some
wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. The company that makes Botox™
tested it. They showed the FDA that Botox™ worked and was safe for treating
some kinds of wrinkles.
How does Botox™ work?
Wrinkles may be caused when a muscle tightens. Botox™ is injected through
the skin into the muscle. The Botox™ keeps the muscle from tightening. When
the muscle can't tighten, the wrinkle doesn't show as much.
What areas can be treated?
o Vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose
o Squint lines (crow’s feet) at the corners of the eyes
o Horizontal lines on the forehead
o Muscle bands visible on the neck, commonly known as “turkey neck”
You mean you can't move your muscles?
A doctor trained in the use of Botox™ will inject small amounts of Botox™
into the muscle. Only the treated muscle can't move.
What happens over time?
Botox™ works for about four months. As the muscle returns to normal, you
will see the wrinkle again.
Are there any side effects?
Yes.Side effects may include:
o Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks
o Feeling like you have the flu
o Headache and upset stomach
o Risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person
to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with Botox™, if used the
right way
REMEMBER- Botox™ is a drug, not a cosmetic.
What should I do if I want to try Botox™?
o Ask about how Botox™ could help or hurt you
o Make sure your doctor is trained in the use of Botox™
o Make sure you get treatment in a doctor's office or clinic
o Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem
o Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
o Do not use if you are breast feeding
o Tell your doctor if you are taking antibiotics
o Tell your doctor if you have any problems with nerves or muscles
Quick Facts About Botox:
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Are "Botox parties" safe?
No. You should only get Botox in a clinic or doctor's office. You should
never share a tube of Botox.
Can I use Botox on other wrinkles?
Botox is only approved to treat wrinkles between the eyebrows.
Can I get Botox at any age?
Botox is only approved for people 18-65 years old. It has not been tested on
people under 18 or over 65.
Other uses for Botox:
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can be treated with injections of a
highly diluted form of botulinum toxin which is superficially injected
directly into the underarm skin, skin on the palms of the hands, or on the
soles of the feet. The toxin weakens the action of the skin’s sweat glands which
are responsible for excessive sweating.
Twitching muscles also can be treated by injecting botulinum toxin into the
appropriate muscle.
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