Cosmetic Plastic Surgery: San Diego BOTOX Beats Wrinkles

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Botox is a registered trademark name for the generic chemical, botulinum toxin type A. Botulinum toxins belong to a larger group of chemical compounds, termed neurotoxins, which are capable of blocking normal nerve signals transmitted throughout the body.

Botox is one such compound that is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In years past Clostridium botulinum was better known as one of the causes of botulism, a form of food poisoning that can lead to muscle paralysis. The neurotoxin works by attaching to nerve endings and blocking release of another chemical compound, acetylcholine, which helps stimulate muscle movement or contraction.

Without this release, the muscles are unable to move despite your desire to do so, a process termed paralysis. Based on the fact that Botox could essentially paralyze muscles, medical scientists figured out how to safely inject controlled, minute quantities of purified Botox for treatment of certain medical conditions. This led to the FDA approval of Botox in 1989 to halt uncontrolled, irritating muscle spasms involving the eyelid (blepharospasm) and in 2000 to treat severe, painful muscle spasms of the neck (cervical dystonia).

Based on the safety record and success of 'medical' Botox use, the FDA went on to approve Botox for cosmetic use in 2002. The FDA approved Botox for the cosmetic treatment of moderately severe skin creases or lines (also known as deep wrinkles) that occur as a result of frowning. These unwanted frown lines are in a region of the lower forehead termed the glabella and, therefore, are also termed glabellar lines. They include horizontal and vertically oriented skin creases that arise from movement of the underlying procerus and corrugator muscles, respectively.

When Botox is injected into these muscles, paralysis ensues and the patient is temporarily unable to move these muscles. Without the ability to create these creases, the lower forehead/glabella appears smoother, younger and more rested. It is because of this straightforward, predictable biological response that Botox cosmetic has became so incredibly popular in the world of plastic surgery.

This entire treatment process takes just under 15 minutes to complete with minimal discomfort noted. Patients are instructed to limit vigorous exercise for the remainder of the day but can resume their normal daily activities, otherwise. The treated muscles begin to show signs of deactivation usually within 24-48 hours following the procedure. Results of Botox treatment last 3-4 months on average with some of our patients noting persistent cosmetic enhancement up to 5-6 months out.

Before Botox

Botox is an alternative to having a surgical procedure done to address unwanted skin wrinkles and creases from hyperdynamic (excess) lower forehead muscle movement. Instead of surgery, Botox chemically inactivates these muscles, mimicking the mechanical effects of having the surgery.

Cosmetic treatment of unwanted skin wrinkles and creases is by far the most popular reason for Botox injection today. There is, however, another reason, more along the lines of medical use, why patients frequently seek Botox treatment. This condition, termed hyperhidrosis, involves excess, unwanted sweating in a variety of different areas. These commonly include the face, armpit and palm of the hand. Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis works by slowing down or stopping production of sweat from specialized glands, termed eccrine sweat glands. A decrease in the amount of sweat production should be noticeable within several weeks following Botox treatment. This improvement will typically last for 6-7 months before repeat treatment is recommended.

I think it safe to say that Botox cosmetic is truly as safe and simple as current pop culture has made it out to be. Patients who are unhappy with deep creases resulting from facial animation can opt for Botox injections to achieve a more youthful, rested appearance. Botox can also be considered in patients who suffer from unwanted, embarrassing excess sweating. Patients considering Botox treatment should look to a San Diego physician who has expert knowledge of facial anatomy and extensive experience in Botox injection technique.

The most common cosmetic side effects of Botox treatment involve unwanted interference with muscle activity in adjacent areas. For instance, if some of the Botox injected into the area above the eyebrow happens to diffuse downward, it can cause temporary drooping of the eyelid. Fortunately, this is quite rare in experienced hands and can be further limited by minimizing activity the day of your treatment.

Fortunately, medical side effects from Botox treatment are quite unusual. Patients should always alert their treating physician with regard to medications currently being used. There are some antibiotics (such as aminoglycosides) that can potentiate the effects of Botox and result in 'overtreatment' if not accounted for before treatment. Fortunately, these antibiotics are not commonly given to patients outside of the hospital and, therefore, not usually encountered in Botox patients.

Botox is among the fastest growing cosmetic procedures because of the technical simplicity of the procedure and the widely reproducible cosmetic results that are so seen.

Botox will likely continue to maintain an integral role in the world of cosmetic enhancement. Either as a stand-alone treatment or part of combination therapy, minimizing unwanted muscle movement to decrease wrinkle formation will be popular for years to come. I think most practitioners are simply waiting for a longer lasting version of Botox or a competitor to splash on the scene.