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Neuromodulators/Botox
The Facts
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Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings in the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle relaxation.
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Although botulinum toxin can be poisonous, the doses used in medicine and aesthetics are so small that it is not toxic. Most people receive about 100u of Botox in treatment, where they would need greater than 35 times that much to be toxic.
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Since the 1970’s doctors have been using Botulinum toxin for treating medical conditions like strabismus and muscle spasticity. In the 90’s a pair of ophthalmologists recognized its effect on wrinkles around the eyes. From this, cosmetic applications were researched and developed.
Use
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Neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport require a prescription from a Medical Doctor.
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Although the use of neuromodulators has become common for treatment of lines and wrinkles in aesthetics, they are only approved by the FDA for use on the glabella and crows feet. Use other places on the face is considered an acceptable “off label” use.
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Common applications include: Glabella, Crowsfeet, Forehead, Marionette lines, chin, lips.
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The application takes about 15 minutes.
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The effects last 3-4 months
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The goal is relaxation of the muscles to reduce movement and wrinkles about 80%.
Possible Side-effects
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Discomfort at the site of the injection is temporary
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Bruising, swelling and redness at the site of injection is temporary
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Numbness from injection may occur and usually resolves within a month
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Headache from injection is temporary and acetaminophen is helpful
Post Treatment Care
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Contracting the muscles that were injected every few minutes for one hour to ensure the neuromodulator is absorbed into the muscle injected.
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Staying in an upright position for 3 hours to prevent migration of the product to another muscle.
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Avoiding massage or manipulation of the area for six hours after injection.
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Avoiding strenuous physical exercise, hot tub, saunas, facials, alcohol and or aspirin/ NSAIDS for 24 hours after treatment.​