Botulinum toxin was first introduced to the United States in the 1980’s and was known as occulinum. Dr. Martin was on the first investigative panel that investigated the use of this medication in the treatment of facial spasm and blepharospasm. Among these patients, it was found that one of the side affects of the treatment was the reduction of facial wrinkles.

It was a very short step, for botox cosmetic to be introduced to provide treatment to our patients. The benefits of this treatment can be seen simply by looking around you at OptiVue. Many of your fellow workers have had this treatment in order to minimize the appearance of age and stress and reveal more refreshed image.

Botulinum toxin works by relaxing the muscles of facial expression which insert on the under surface of the facial skin. Once the resting tone of these muscles is weakened, the pull of the muscles relaxes and the skin flattens out. This is an entirely different approach to treating the aging face. Silicon, Collagen and fat injections work by filling in a wrinkle. These fillers are not as effective as Botulinum toxin in removing wrinkles in the upper third of the face. By physiologically relaxing the muscles, the wrinkles are removed more naturally.

The medication takes three to five days to take effect and lasts between three to six months. The medication is most effective for wrinkles in the upper third of the face, the forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. It is not effective for wrinkles in the middle and lower portion of the face. While paralyzing these muscles will eliminate the wrinkles, it may also distort your smile and facial expressions.

Topical numbing cream and cold compresses will be used prior to the treatment in order to decrease any discomfort; but you may feel a small amount of discomfort when the needle pierces the skin. This will last for approximately five seconds. On rare occasions, the needle may puncture a blood vessel and you may have a black and blue area that lasts for up to seven days. There are no serious side effects associated with the use of the toxin with doses we employ. Side effects can be caused if the toxin migrates from the injection sites. For this reason, we ask that you not rub or massage the area for twelve hours after the injection. Possible side effects may include a small droop of the eyebrow or upper eyelid. Fortunately, if this occurs, it is temporary but may last two to three weeks.

Likewise, when the crow’s feet are being treated, migration of the toxin may rarely cause a small droop of the lower eyelid, which also lasts approximately two to three weeks and is temporary. There have been no allergies, anaphylactic or systemic side effects associated with this medication at the dosages we employ. Botox has been used in a safe and effective manner at a much higher dosage for patients with near-muscular disorders for approximately 22 years. Click Here for Animation and more Information