This entry was originally written as an e-newsletter exclusively for our subscribers on March 28, 2008.  The following information has been edited to illiminate dated references, but the main points of the article remain unchanged.  As always, feel free to contact us with any questions, or post any comments (within reason) you may have:

The Basics of Botox

I’m sure all my patients have heard about Botox from various sources ranging from newspapers to late night monologues.  However, I still get a lot of questions from patients wondering about side effects, long term damage or lack thereof, and perhaps most importantly, if Botox is right for them.
 
To make it simple for everyone, I have compiled a Top Ten list of every basic thing one should know about Botox:

1.)  Botox, by definition, is a simple injectable treatment that creates a temporary smoothed and improved appearance in areas of wrinkle-causing muscles of the upper face.

2.)  The wrinkle smoothing effect lasts for 3 months with initial treatments, but can last longer in future treatments.

3.)  Botox was approved by the FDA in 2002 for treatment of moderate to severe “frown lines”. 

4.)  Botox is safely approved for use around the world in more than 75 countries.

5.)  Since 2002, more than 13 million Botox cosmetic procedures have been performed in the world.

6.)  Surveys show that 97% of Botox patients are definitely satisfied with their treatments.

7.)  Botox is becoming increasingly popular each year with more than 3 million treatments in 2006 alone.  This means it’s not just for celebrities and millionaires anymore.

8.)  Botox is also used for other medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), blepharospasm (eyelid spasm), migraines and muscle spasms associated with strokes.

9.)  Botox is only approved for use by licensed doctors who have been fully trained in its use and in the anatomy of the facial muscles.

10.)  I, Dr. Burke, have been injecting Botox since 2004 and am one of the most frequent practitioners in its use in Maine.  I have treated hundreds of patients over that time frame and the patients treated literally double every year.  I am certified in both cosmetic and hyperhidrosis (one of two doctors in Maine who use Botox for this purpose) uses of Botox.

The above list is, of course, a basic rundown of what Botox treatments are all about.  I am always available to answer any questions you may have which the list did not cover. 

Thanks again for reading this and for your overall support, and more pertinent information will be coming to you soon.

Tags: botox, face, facial, safe, skin, spasm, treatment

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 21st, 2008 at 9:04 pm and is filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.