By Jeffrey K. Beall, MD

Botox cosmetic, also known as botulinum toxin type A, is a natural protein that has been used for 16 years to treat strabismus (crossed eyes), twitching, spasticity, tremor, cerebral palsy and prolonged muscle contractions. The Food and Drug Administration approved Botox cosmetic in 2002 as an injectable medicine to temporarily reduce frown lines on the forehead. It's now the most frequently performed nonsurgical procedure.

Botox is nonaddictive. It's not a "poison" unless given in the wrong dosage, which is true of any medication. It is given by prescription only to patients 18 to 65 years old. Those who receive botox often say they look more relaxed, less stressed, less stern -- and younger. About 97 percent of patients report they are satisfied with their results in treating frown lines.

How it works
Botox works by relaxing muscles that are responsible for creating wrinkles by blocking nerve impulses. The reduced muscle activity relaxes the muscle and reduces the tension on the overlying skin. This allows the skin to relax and maintain a smooth appearance, as well as prevents the progression of the wrinkling process. Occasionally, it may take several treatments to adjust the dosage and achieve the best possible results. As with any cosmetic procedure, individual results may vary.

The treatment involves the injection of a small amount of diluted botox cosmetic into selected muscles via a tiny needle. Anesthesia isn't required. The procedure takes about 10 minutes. Results develop gradually during the next week to 14 days.

Side effects minimal
Complications and side effects usually are minimal. The most common side effects are temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Occasionally, slight swelling, tenderness, redness, localized pain or bruising may last for several days after the injection. Headache and a flu-like syndrome lasting a few hours also have been reported. Serious allergic reactions are rare but should be reported to your physician immediately. Patients may return to their normal daily activities, though contact sports should be avoided for the first three to four hours.

Botox effects last up to four months, at which time an additional treatment is necessary to maintain the improvement. Another caveat: If the wrinkles are significant, treatment results may not be as dramatic.

Botox should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, or those with known allergies to botulinum toxin type A or human albumin. Patients with neuromuscular diseases should only receive botox cosmetic with caution.

Interestingly, relief from certain types of headaches appears to be a current side effect of botox cosmetic. The pharmaceutical company Allergan now is performing clinical trials to study the indications of botox cosmetic as a headache treatment.

Jeffrey K. Beall, MD

Jeffrey K. Beall, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist whose medical practice includes treatment of conditions of the ear, nose and throat as well as botox cosmetic treatments. His office is located at Sparks Medical Building, Suite 205, 2385 E. Prater Way, Sparks (adjoining Northern Nevada Medical Center). For more information, please call 358-4007.

Dr. Beall will be discussing botox at the Tuesday, Nov. 14 FLASHES event.

Northern Nevada Medical Center 2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 775-331-7000