BOTOX
At first glance, it may seem strange to you that an Ophthalmologist performs Botox Cosmetic (hereafter referred to as "Botox") injections. After all, this is usually the realm of a plastic surgeon, correct? Well actually, many doctors perform Botox injections. From plastic surgeons to dermatologists, to internal medicine specialists, all medical doctors can perform these injections effectively and safely. In many ways, ophthalmologists, or eye surgeons are specially qualified to perform these injections, since many of the treatments are performed around the eyes.
Since 1989, Botox has been used to treat a condition called blepharospasm, which is an uncontrollable squeezing shut of the eyelids. This problem can be very debilitating, and when appropriate, Botox can relax the muscles and allow patients to have normal eyelid function. It stemmed from this medical treatment, that many ophthalmologists became involved in the more cosmetic enhancements that Botox can offer.
Botox was approved for the treatment of "glabellar", or frown lines in April of 2002. Prior to this, the treatment of frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines, and other applications, were performed, but these treatments were "off-label" uses of the medicine, not approved by the FDA. Botox works by blocking the signals to certain muscles, which prevents them from contracting. By blocking the effects of these muscles, the overlying skin wrinkles tend to soften over time, giving smoother, more youthful appearing skin.
Since it's approval in 2002, we've performed thousands of Botox treatments with great success. The most common application we've found in the treatment of frown lines, although we've had equally good success treating crow's feet and forehead lines. In addition, treating the sides of the nose to reduce "bunny lines" can also be a great benefit to our patients.
Botox Cosmetic is a safe procedure, though there are a number of recognized complications and side effects. During the studies done prior to the approval of its use, the most common side effects reported from Botox injections were a headache, respiratory infection/flu symptoms, nausea, and ptosis or eyelid drooping. Double vision is a rare side effect from the treatment of crow's feet but can occur. The good news is that since the effects of Botox wear off over time, these problems reverse themselves. Botox should not be used in patients with a history of autoimmune muscle problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does it hurt?
A. When we administer Botox injections, I tell the patient that this will feel like a pinprick with some burning. The mixture we use has a bit of a numbing effect, so in reality, most of our patients feel only the pinprick without much burning sensation. After the injection is given, there is not any particular discomfort to expect down the road.
Q. How long does it last?
A: The effects of Botox usually begin 2-4 days after the injections, and typically last 4 months. The effects may last longer or shorter than the 4 months. We find that the effects seem to last longer in patients who have had a series of injections over time when the effects begin to wear off.
Q. Can Botox take care of all my facial wrinkles?
A: No. Wrinkles of the face can be caused by a number of factors. The first is chronic muscle contraction which can be treated with Botox. The second cause is that over time, facial contour changes with loss of elastic tissue. This can be thought of as the "beach ball effect". When we are younger, we have more round faces and few wrinkles like a blown-up beach ball. As we get older, we lose some of the "air" from the beach ball, and that sagging can also lead to wrinkles. These wrinkles are better treated by using injectable materials called "fillers" such as collagen, or its synthetic counterparts. These treatments also last for a period of months and need to be replenished, like Botox.
We hope this information regarding Botox Cosmetic has been useful to you. If you have any further questions regarding Botox or any other of your eye care needs, please don't hesitate to contact Campanella Eye Associates, your family eye care specialists.