For years, BOTOX® has been one of the most popular anti-aging procedures to temporarily relax the muscles and get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.
BOTOX Cosmetic was introduced in 2002, and was the first botulinum toxin to be approved by the FDA to temporarily treat moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, but it was used for years before that by doctors to treat conditions like eye spasms. According to the company's website, approximately 11.8 million BOTOX Cosmetic procedures have been administered in the United States since it was FDA approved. Doctors say although it's a botulinum toxin and may sound scary, it's administered in such small doses that it is safe.
Although BOTOX is only FDA approved for treatment of those frown lines between the brows, doctors say there are many safe, "off label" and widely accepted uses for BOTOX. In fact it’s now being used on muscles throughout the entire face, neck, and various parts of the body.
Doctors say aside from getting rid of lines on the forehead and reducing the appearance of crow's feet, BOTOX can be used to give a temporary neck lift, reduce wrinkles and dimpling on the chin, give an upturned look to the mouth for those who feel like they always seem to look like they're frowning, and help reduce sweating in the armpits and on the hands.
It can also be used in place of fillers to give an upturned, fuller, poutier upper lip (Dr. Kinsely says the BOTOX treatment for the lip typically runs about $50, while fillers typically cost about $500 a syringe).
Dr. Kelly Burkenstock says BOTOX has also proven to be a successful treatment for stroke victims who are paralyzed on one side of their face. BOTOX is also currently being used by some doctors and dentists to treat a variety of other afflictions, like TMJ.
Some common side effects can include bruising and swelling at the injection side, and if over-injected or injected incorrectly, doctors say problems can occur, including a lazy eye look. Doctors say it's a good idea to skip the back room discounted BOTOX parties, and make sure you are getting your BOTOX administered from licensed, experienced medical personnel. BOTOX is temporary, and usually lasts from 2 to 6 months, depending on where it's injected, and how much is injected.
For more information on BOTOX:
For More Info on the two Northshore doctors in tonight's story:
Dr. Elizabeth Kinsley
Dr. Kelly Burkenstock
Skin Body Health Institute
