| Dr. Philip S. Schoenfeld is a member of the American Medical Association. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Botox.
Q. How does Botox work?
Botox is a trade name for botulinum toxin A. The way it works is that it weakens the muscles that are injected with Botox to prevent their motion. More specifically, Botox after it is injected is taken up by the nerve ending that normally supplies the muscle with its signal to contract. The Botox, once inside the nerve, prevents the nerve from releasing its chemical messenger that is responsible for telling the muscle to contract and therefore the muscle is unable to contract.
Q. For which parts of the body can be botox be used? What issues can be successfully treated with Botox?
Botox can be used for several different purposes. The muscles that lie between the eyes in the forehead is probably the most well known and popular location for botox injections. These muscles are responsible for the "11’s" and that serious look. Other areas that I frequently inject are around the sides of the eyes. These injections help to raise the eyebrow and also prevent crows feet from appearing and certainly from getting worse. I also inject the forehead, but, recommend only light treatment there as that creates an unnatural look for many people when there is no forehead mobility. I also use Botox in the scalp and temples for people who have suffered from headaches and will also use Botox in the palms of the hands, axilla (underarms) and soles of the feet for patients who suffer from excessive sweating or hyperhydrosis.
Q. When are results visible after using botox?
Botox takes about 4-5 days before the effects can be fully seen. Dysport, one of the newer botulinum toxins which was recently FDA approved has an onset of about 2 days.
Q. How effective is botox and how long do the effects of botox treatment last?
Botox is extremely effective. A study in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal showed that satisfaction with Botox treatments approached 96%. I don’t think that chocolate even has that high a satisfaction rating. The treatment lasts on average of 4 months.
Q. Are there any side effects of using Botox?
There are several potential side effects but very few actual side effects ever occur. Injector experience and technique plays a large role in the side effects that the patient experiences from their treatment. Botox treatments needs to be individualized for each patient. Bruising at the injection site is the most common side effect but that will resolve in a couple of days. Drooping of the eye is also a potential complication and that can take a couple of weeks to resolve. The most feared complication that people have heard of is systemic injection of Botox resulting in paralysis. I have never heard or seen of this occurring during Botox treatments.
Q. What are the drawbacks of the Botox Treatment?
The biggest potential drawback of Botox treatments is that patients like the way they look more with the Botox treatments than without them. The results are extremely pleasing when the treatment is performed appropriately and most people enjoy the more relaxed appearance that they convey. Of course, as a Botox injector, we hope for this drawback. |
