Liquid Rhinoplasty
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time we smile, laugh or frown. The more emotion we show, the deeper these wrinkles and lines are likely to be. Over the years constant and even sustained contraction of these muscles may lead to more permanent lines and creases.
Now, thanks to Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox®, Allergan), dynamic lines can be dramatically softened. What is Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox®, Allergan)?
Botox® is the trade name for Botulinum Toxin type A, which is a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.
Botulinum Toxin type A has been used safely and effectively for over 20 years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological conditions. Over the last 10 years it has become quite popular for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles, and more recently, it has been used successfully for the treatment of excessive sweating of the underarms, palms and soles.
How does Botox® work?
Botulinum toxin is a muscle relaxant. When injected into a given muscle, it reversibly blocks the impulses from the nerves to the specific facial muscle that is related to facial expression lines. The muscle cannot contract and the overlying skin becomes smooth and wrinkle-free, while the untreated muscles continue to contract in the normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression.
Are Botox® treatments safe?
Botox® has been in use for over 20 years in other areas of medicine such as neurology and ophthalmology. Every year over a million people are being treated with Botox® in the USA alone. Its effect is temporary and depending on the type of muscle treated, it can last from 2 weeks to 6 months.
What areas can be treated?
Botox® is mainly used in the upper third of the face, namely the forehead (horizontal forehead lines), the glabella (vertical frown lines between the eyebrows), and the crow's feet (fine lines radiating away from the eyes). More recently is has been used successfully in treating neck lines.
How is Botox® treatment performed?
The procedure itself is very simple and safe. Botox® is injected in extremely small quantities with a very fine needle into the desired areas . Depending on the area treated a series of 4-10 injections may be needed. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. No anesthetic is required, but a special cream or ice packs may be used in sensitive individuals. The whole procedure takes about 15-20 minutes and you can resume normal activities immediately, even drive.
Are there any side effects?
Because the effects of Botox® are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary, lasting only a few weeks. Some patients experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site, but this can be covered with make-up. In rare cases, the toxin can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles leading to a small asymmetry of facial expression. In extremely rare cases there can be some drooping of an eyelid, but this lasts only for 2-3 weeks and can be treated with eye drops.
How long do the results last?
The full effect of the treatment can be seen after 3-10 days. As already mentioned the effects of Botox® are temporary and can last between 3-6 months. The actual duration varies between individuals and in order to maintain the skin smoothing effects of the treatment an average of 2 treatments are required per year.
Pictures (c) ASPS, ASAPS, AAFPRS, ADAM, Allergan
