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Botox was recently approved by the
FDA for the cosmetic treatment of facial wrinkles. Botox
is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium
botulinum bacteria. Though Botox is a toxin, extremely
small amounts are used, and as a result, the use of Botox
is extremely safe.
Patients often view the results of
Botox as miraculous. Botox temporarily smoothes the wrinkles
and frown lines that a lifetime of expressions can create,
leaving the patient's face with a more youthful appearance.
The results typically last from four to six months and
after several treatments may last even longer. Botox
is commonly used to treat frown lines between the patient’s
eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s
feet. Other areas of the face are sometimes treated as
well. Botox achieves its maximal improvement in approximately
five days, at which time the muscles causing the wrinkles
become paralyzed yet the patient continues to have full
sensation. However, occasionally a small bruise or possibly
a mild headache may occur.
Restrictions on patients being treated
with Botox are few, though pregnant women or persons
with neurologic disease should avoid Botox treatment.
Be sure to ask Dr. Smith if Botox is right for you. For
more information about Botox, please visit the Allergan
website at http://www.allergan.com
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