Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) for Treating Facial Wrinkles: A Closer Look
Minimizing the signs of aging
The first signs of aging often appear as wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, cheeks and lips. While wrinkles are normal defining features of the human face, they can sometimes falsely portray a tired or more aged appearance.
Botox® injections are used to treat facial wrinkles, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance.
How do you get wrinkles?
We develop two types of wrinkles on our faces:
DYNAMIC WRINKLES
We are born with dynamic wrinkles, which are associated with the muscles we use for facial expression. As we continuously use our facial muscles to smile, laugh and squint, mild wrinkles appear when we are young, but they become deeper and more noticeable as we grow older. The most common areas where we develop dynamic wrinkles are around the lips, the corners of the eyelids (where the wrinkles are known as crows’ feet), between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. These wrinkles often make people look older and more tired than they actually are. Botox® can be used to treat these dynamic wrinkles and make them less noticeable.
CREPE-PAPER WRINKLES
Crepe-paper wrinkles are caused by sun exposure and aging. As we age or are repeatedly exposed to the sun, collagen (the protein substance found just beneath and within the deep layers of the skin) begins to thin, causing facial skin to stretch and sag. Unfortunately, Botox® cannot treat crepe-paper wrinkles. However, there are other procedures that may be used to reduce the appearance of crepe-paper wrinkles.
How does Botox® work?
Botulinum toxin (brand name Botox®) is extracted from the bacteria Clostridia botulinum. For years it has been used as a nonsurgical treatment for uncontrollable facial spasms and disorders of the eye (such as misaligned eyes). Now it is used as a safe and effective way to reduce facial wrinkles without surgery.
Botox® is targeted directly at the facial muscles that are causing dynamic wrinkles to form. The Botox protein injection blocks transmission from the nerve ending to the muscle. As a result, the muscle relaxes, significantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and muscles on the skin above that muscle. This blocking effect on the nerves usually lasts an average of three to six months, at which time the muscle regains movement and wrinkles reappear.
How is Botox® administered?
Using a very fine needle, your doctor injects the Botox® directly into the targeted facial muscles. A topical anesthetic cream may be applied to your skin to decrease the sensation of the injection; you should discuss this option with your doctor beforehand. Botox® treatments take only a few minutes and are given during a typical office visit. You should be able to return to your normal activities immediately.
The effects of Botox®-induced muscle relaxation begin to occur within about three days. By the end of the first week, you will probably notice a significant reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the treated areas. Repeat injections of Botox® may be given after the effects wear off.
Are you a good candidate for Botox®?
The best candidates for Botox® treatments are people who are physically healthy, with not history of neuromuscular diseases (such as multiple sclerosis or myashtenia gravis), who are not pregnant or nursing and who are at least 18 years old.
Some people who should not have Botox® treatments include those with:
- Existing weakness in the targeted muscles
- ptosis (drooping eyelids)
- deep facial scars
- very thick facial skin
- marked facial asymmetry
- skin disorders around the planned injection sites.
You should inform your doctor of your medical history and all medications, vitamins and/or herbal supplements you are currently taking before having Botox® treatments.
It is important to remember that the level of improvement in the appearance of wrinkles after Botox® treatment can vary among patients. Some people respond better Botox® than others. Occasionally there is little improvement and another form of treatment may be recommended. It is important to discuss your situation and your expectations with your doctor.
Understanding the risks, complications and side effects
Botox® is a toxin and can be potent in high concentrations. Only small, diluted amounts of Botox® are used in treatments to reduce facial wrinkles.
The most common side effects are headache and temporary redness or bruising of the skin at the injection site. Bruising appears to be more common in patients taking aspirin or blood-thinning medicines. These medicines should be avoided if possible for a few days before treatment. You should inform your doctor of all medicaitions you are currently taking before having Botox® treatments. Occasionally, some people might experience temporary eye irritation or tearing after Botox® treatments.
More serious complications are rare but possible. There is a chance that nontargeted muscles could be affected and weakened. This could cause dropping of the eyelid (ptosis) if Botox® seeps below the eyebrow and into the muscle that controls eyelid function. Though the effect is not permanent and will eventually go away as the Botox® wears off, drooping eyelids may temporarily obstruct your ability to see.
In order to help reduce the possibility of side effects, your doctor may recommend that you use lubricating eye drops, gels or ointment for a period of time after treatment. You may also be instructed to:
- sit upright and not to lie down for at least four hours after treatment
- avoid pressing on or massaging the treated area for four hours
- avoid exercising for 24 hours following treatment
Having an ophthalmologist perform your Botox® treatment can help to ensure the safety of your eyes and your vision. Many ophthalmologists have been on the forefront of Botox® treatment. It has been used for over 10 years in ophthalmology to treat involuntary spasms of the eyes and other facial spasm disorders. As an eye care specialist, your ophthalmologist is most familiar with all aspects of your eyes, including the muscles and structures surrounding them.