| Dr.  Alex Liu is a Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Botox.
Q. How does Botox work?
A. Botox can last as long as 4-6 months depending on how and where it is placed. It also depends whether it was freshly reconstituted. Botox comes in a dry powder form that needs to be made into a liquid. Some practitioners use leftover Botox, which definitely lasts less long. I always only use freshly reconstituted Botox so that there is no question about how long it will last.
Q. For which parts of the body can be Botox be used?
A. Botox can be used in many different parts of the body.
Q. What issues can be successfully treated with Botox?
A. On the face, it is usually used to help reduce dynamic wrinkles; wrinkles that become more noticeable when we use the muscles on our face (ie. smiling, frowning, laughing, etc...). It can also help with headaches and migraines.
On the body, we have successfully used it to help reduce areas of excessive sweating. Some practitioners have also used it to help reduce pain in sore joints such as tennis elbow. It is believed to work by reducing the painful spasming/muscle contractures by relaxing those muscles it is injected in. Botox was initially used decades ago by Ophthalmologist to help children with strabismus (crossed eyes) by relaxing the overactive eye muscles that caused crossed eyes.
Q. When are results visible after using Botox?
A. Botox results typically take 5-7 days before it is noticeable. The medication needs to be taken up and absorbed by the involved muscles before the results can be seen.
Q. How effective is Botox and how long do the effects of Botox treatment last?
A. Botox is one of the most successful treatments in the medical field because it is very effective. Again it can last up to 4-6 months but depends on how "fresh" the Botox is and where/how it is placed.
Q. Are there any side effects of using Botox?
A. There can be side effects with Botox such as allergy to the product, slight inflammation that can be redness, soreness, bumps, and flu-like symptoms. However, having been involved with thousands of patients with Botox, I have yet to see a side effect. I still go through all the potential issues with every single patient prior to administering Botox though.
Q. What are the drawbacks of the Botox Treatment?
A. The drawbacks of Botox typically involve placement in muscles where patients did not want the effects. The most common complaint that patients have is when the Botox is accidentally placed near the eyelid where it causes the eyelid to droop. Thankfully since Botox is a temporary treatment, the effects go away and leave no permanent or residual complications.
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