BOTOX: Frequently Asked Questions

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is a natural protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The effects of BOTOX have been known since the turn of the century, but not until 1980 was this protein found to be therapeutically valuable.

How Does It Work?

BOTOX binds to nerve endings and prevents the release of chemical transmitters that activate muscles and certain sweat glands.

What Is It Used For?

BOTOX was approved by the FDA in 1989 for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm. (disorders of the eye region). Since then other uses have been discovered, including treatment of facial lines/wrinkles and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Facial lines and wrinkles are caused by several factors: aging, heredity, gravity, sun damage, and muscle action. Overuse of muscles of facial expression can cause frown lines between eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, crow's feet around eyes and neckbands.

Injection of a very small amount of BOTOX into the specific muscle of facial expression causes weakness or paralysis of that muscle. Relaxation of the muscle will improve the lines or wrinkles that the muscle action has formed. BOTOX injections that can be done during an office visit. Patient should not experience any down time from these injections. Makeup can be worn immediately.

Injection of BOTOX to areas of excessive sweating (i.e sweat glands preventing the formation of sweat.)

How Long Does BOTOX Last?

The response usually is seen 2-6 days after injection. Typically, the muscle action (and wrinkles) will return in 3-5 months. At this point, a repeat treatment will relax the muscle and soften the lines again. After several injections of BOTOX'the effects may begin to last longer than 3-5 months. For hyperhidrosis, the effects usually last 6 months. BOTOX is a safe, easy, effective way to temporary improve facial lines and hyperhidrosis.

What are the Risks and Complications?

BOTOX treatment of frown lines can cause minor temporary droop of one eyelid or eyebrow in less than 2% of injections. This usually lasts 2-3 weeks. Occasional numbness of the forehead lasting 2-3 weeks, bruising and transient headache has occurred. In a very small number of individuals, the injection does not work as satisfactorily or for as long as usual. BOTOX has been used successfully in neurology and ophthalmology for over ten years. It has been used successfully for wrinkle therapy for the past seven years. Over ten years of clinical experience involving hundreds of thousands of patients is a testimony that BOTOX is safe and effective.

Off-label Use of FDA Approved Medications?

BoTox has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm (disorders of the eye region). After the FDA approved BoTox, additional uses have been discovered, including treatment of facial lines and wrinkles. This is termed "unlabeled" or "off-label" use; it is considered "innovative" therapy. Known significant risks have been disclosed, yet the theoretical risk of unknown complications does exist.

How Do I Schedule for BOTOX Treatment?

Please call our office at (614) 476-2835 to schedule an    appointment with Dr. Luft.

What Are the Alternatives?