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Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, this toxin can cause botulism, which you probably associate with food poisoning. Despite the fact that one of the most serious complications of botulism is paralysis, scientists have discovered a way to use it to human advantage. Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled weakening of the muscles.

The FDA approved such usage in the late 1980s upon the discovery that Botox could stop ailments like blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking) and strabismus (lazy eye). Cosmetic physicians have been using Botox for years to successfully treat wrinkles and facial creases. In April 2002, Botox gained FDA approval for treatment of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows - called glabellar lines. However, Botox is often used for other areas of the face as well.

Temporary removal of facial wrinkles 
Severe underarm sweating 
Cervical dystonia - a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions 
Blepharospasm - uncontrollable blinking 
Strabismus - misaligned eyes

How Does Botox Work?
Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. The effects last about three to four months 
It is most often used on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox.

How Is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure takes only a few minutes and no anesthesia is required. Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect and it is best to avoid alcohol at least one week prior to treatment. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped two weeks before treatment as well in order to reduce bruising.

How Long Does a Botox Injection Last?
The effects from Botox will last four to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.

What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. Headaches, which resolve in 24-48 hours, can occur, but this is rare. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping. This usually resolves in three weeks. This development is usually caused by migration of the Botox and for this reason, you shouldn't rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lay down for three to four hours.

Who Should Not Receive Botox Injection?
Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease should not use Botox. Since Botox doesn't work for all wrinkles, a consultation with a doctor is recommended.
Side effects may include:

Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks 
Headache and upset stomach 
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 
Pain at the injection site 
Flu-like symptoms 

Fillers

Fillers are basically substances that files up the lost volume due to collagen degeneration as part of the aging process. The most popular filling materials are those that enable easy and relatively short treatment, a minimal recuperation period, and aesthetic results that speak for themselves. Approximately 40 different materials are available for varied plastic implementations, and the majority are effective, safe and efficient. Above all other considerations, the ideal material of choice must be SAFE - meaning it will not contaminate during injection, will be resistant to post-operative infection, will not cause an allergic reaction, is not poisonous or cancerous, and will not cause skin irritation. It must also be efficient, easy to inject, invisible and result in quick healing of the treated area. 

There are 3 categories of filling materials:

Natural and absorbent materials, based on hyaluronic acid, are the preferred choice for treating facial wrinkles. They provide short term but excellent results. 
Natural and partially synthetic, e.g. Articol and Collagen, are the best choice for lip augmentation and provide longer term results. These materials require a hypersensitivity test to be carried out 3 weeks prior to being administered.

Synthetic materials, e.g. Bio Alkamid and Silicon. Although these synthetics offer an expectation of particularly long term results, due to other medical considerations they are not the materials of choice in the Dr. James clinic.

 

 

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