Botox

Q: I’ve heard so much talk about Botox but am still confused about it’s indications. Will botox treat all of my facial wrinkles?

A: Facial lines and wrinkles are classified as either dynamic or static. Dynamic or hyperkinetic wrinkles occur due to facial muscle activity. Static lines represent actual creases in the skin itself. Some dynamic creases, if left untreated, will eventually create static ones, while some static lines deepen further as the underlying muscles of the face are activated.
In general, static wrinkles are treated with fillers. These dermal fillers essentially occupy space and “fill in” the wrinkle. There are now a large variety of fillers to choose from depending on the issues at hand, with the list growing yearly.
Dynamic creases, those created by the underlying facial muscles, are best treated with botox. Botox is a neurotoxin that binds to muscle neuroreceptors and essentially selectively paralyzes that particular muscle. Initially used by neurologists and ophthalmologists for various muscle-related problems, botox is now used for cosmetic purposes to treat dynamic facial wrinkles. By weakening a particular facial muscle or group of muscles, these wrinkles will disappear. The duration of action of botox is 3-6 months with essentially no side-effects. The key to obtaining excellent results is the physician injecting the botox. They should have a complete understanding of the anatomy of the facial muscles in order to precisely treat the wrinkles. Most complications due to botox are not side-effects of the drug itself but simply that the injections were done incorrectly. Seek out a physician trained in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, or oculoplastic surgery who knows the anatomy. For more information log onto my website at http://www.drhainer.com/, onto the official botox website at http://www.botoxcosmetic.com/, or call for a complimentary consultation.