Botox® by Dr. Klein

In 2002, following my development of a safe and effective injection pattern, Botox® Cosmetic was approved for use in the frown lines. Since its approval, the interest in Botox and its many uses has increased exponentially. In fact, Botox, which was virtually unheard of ten years ago, has become a household name. This increased popularity has been a truly amazing process to behold. Facial wrinkles are frequently caused by repeated muscle contraction. Using Botox produces weakness or paralysis of these muscles. The disappearance of wrinkles through this paralysis, although temporary, is extremely popular with both patients and physicians.
 
Over the years, the rapid thrust of Botox into the limelight has brought with it an influx of novice injectors, and many of these inexperienced individuals do not know the proper injection pattern, nor do they understand why dilution of the toxin is critical. Practitioners must understand both placement techniques as well as the product's behavior once injected. Injecting Botox (as well as hyaluronic acid fillers) should not be performed at the mall or in the back room of a beauty parlor by untrained individuals. Education in this field is not a weekend course given by the manufacturer. The training happens over time as one becomes more familiar with the behavior of these agents. I have seen for myself a patient who could not open her eyelids for three months and one who intermittently could not swallow for one month after a cosmetic treatment with Botox.
 
When used properly, Botox is both a safe and effective non-surgical approach to treating wrinkles. With Botox, no physical evidence of a cosmetic procedure can be seen, and the effect of Botox is reversible—lasting between 3 to 9 months depending on the number of previous treatments. Also, a memory response may develop with repeated Botox injections if they are done every 3 months for approximately one-year. So, although the effects are not permanent, there may be a gradual lengthening of the time interval between treatments. This will mean fewer Botox treatments to obtain the same effect.
 
During the procedure, a thin needle is used to inject tiny amounts of Botox into specific facial muscles. By carefully choosing the muscles to treat, only the wrinkle-producing muscles are weakened to try and preserve natural facial expressions. The number of injections needed depends on many factors, including facial features, the extent of the wrinkling and the specific area being treated. For example, crow's-feet usually require two to three injections. Furrows in the forehead could take five or more injections. Botox injections usually take about 10 to 15 minutes. Mild pain may be experienced, but most patients find the discomfort tolerable.