What is Botox® Cosmetic? It is a purified
protein produced by the Clostridium bacterium and is
used in extremely small amounts to relax dynamic wrinkles
caused by contraction of muscles.
Is it safe?
It has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology
for over 15 years and in wrinkle therapy for over 13
years. It is also used to treat migraine headaches and
several neurological problems, with children as young
as 2 years of age safely receiving more than 10 times
the amount used for wrinkles.
How does Botox®
Cosmetic work? Wrinkles and frown lines are
the result of muscle activity. Dr. Gidon analyzes this
activity and determines which muscles require treatment.
Several tiny injections of Botox® Cosmetic are administered
very precisely into the muscles that cause the wrinkles.
It blocks nerve impulses from reaching that area and
the muscles relax. As a result, the wrinkles overlying
the muscles are smoothed away.
Does it hurt?
Discomfort is minimal and brief. An anaesthetic cream
can be used beforehand to numb the areas being treated,
so no pain at all is experienced.
What areas can
be treated? The most common areas treated
are the frown lines between the brows, the forehead,
crow's feet around the eyes, the eyebrow area to lift
the brow and open up the eyes, around the mouth, and
the neck area to soften tight bands and help shape
the jaw line. In Canada, Botox® Cosmetic is approved
for use for frown lines between the brows, forehead
lines and crow’s feet.
What happens after
treatment? The treatment takes about 10 minutes
and you can resume normal activities right away. In
3 to 14 days, the wrinkles will appear softer and smoother.
Are there any side
effects? Occasionally, a small bruise lasting
a few days may occur and can be covered with make-up.
A mild, temporary headache may occur in some patients.
Rarely, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid that may last
a few weeks may occur.
Will my facial
expressions look natural? Treatment will not
radically change your appearance. Most people will not
notice that you had any treatment done since you will
still be able to smile or look surprised or angry. You
will just appear more relaxed and happier.
How long will the
effects of Botox® Cosmetic last? The effects
initially last about 3 months. When movement of the
muscles is detected, it is time for another treatment.
With repeated treatment, some patients' results may
last 4 to 6 months or longer. If you discontinue treatment,
your wrinkles will gradually return to the way they
were before treatment.
Can Botox® Cosmetic
treatments be combined with any other treatments?
Definitely! Botox® Cosmetic treatments can
be combined with many other anti-aging procedures
to enhance their effectiveness and give longer-lasting
results. Intense pulsed light treatments, Thermage™,
Fraxel™,
chemical peels, microdermabrasion, filler substances
and the use of anti-aging products are all complementary
procedures.
Is this treatment
for everyone? Men and women, from age 18 to
80, who would like a more relaxed appearance, enjoy
the benefits of Botox® Cosmetic. There are very few
restrictions. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or
have certain neurological disorders, such as ALS or
myasthenia gravis, should not be treated.
What is the Send-a-Friend
program? If you refer a friend or family member
who is new to our clinic for a Botox® Cosmetic treatment,
he or she will receive a discount on his or her first
treatment and you will receive a gift certificate toward
your next Botox® Cosmetic treatment. Ask our staff for
details.
How do I find out
if I am a candidate for Botox® Cosmetic? During
your consultation, Dr. Gidon will assess you to determine
if you might benefit from these treatments. She will
also address any further questions you may have.
Botox® Therapeutic
for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is the medical
term for excessive sweating. Normally, the body produces
sweat to regulate body temperature. Sometimes, the nerves
that control the sweat glands become overactive and
excess sweat is produced. It can have a significant
impact on self-confidence and can affect the quality
of life. Botox can dramatically reduce hyperhidrosis
by blocking the nerves to sweat glands.
What areas can
be treated? The underarms, palms, soles and
forehead may be treated.
How are the treatments
done? A Minor Test may be done on your first
visit. Iodine and then starch are applied to the site
to determine exactly what areas need to be treated.
Tiny injections are then administered to the site.
Does it hurt? Tiny
pinpricks can be felt, but if needed, an anaesthetic
cream can be applied beforehand to numb the skin.
How long does it
take to reduce sweating? The reduction in sweating
begins to take effect in 1 day, but it may take 7 days
to reach its full effectiveness. Occasionally, a second
round of injections may be needed to control sweating.
How long will the
effects last? Sweating is usually controlled
for 7 to 9 months. Repeat treatments can be done at
that time.
Are there any side
effects? Occasionally, some patients temporarily
perceive increased sweating in other areas, but this
sensation resolves.
How can I know
if treatment will be effective for me? Dr.
Gidon will take your medical history, perform an examination
and assess you. She can determine whether this treatment
would be beneficial for you.
