Botox Safety
Botox is used to reduce wrinkles in the upper portion of the face. Just a small amount of Botox can be used to block signals from the nerve cells that control muscle movement.
Like “Xerox” or “Kleenex,” Botox has been used in the American vernacular with astonishing regularity since the mid-60s, when a biochemist began working with a purified strain of botulism to treat crossed eyes.
In 1991, the miracle drug was sold for $9 million to Allergan, a company that changed the named to Botox and secured Food and Drug Administration-approval as a cosmetic wrinkle relaxer. Today, millions use the blockbuster drug – valued at $1.3 billion worldwide.
Little Dab will Do
Botox cosmetic injections may be applied throughout the face and neck area; this includes the delicate eyelids and lip areas. An ideal candidate for Botox cosmetic injections is a patient between the ages of 18 to 65. The FDA allows Botox use for reducing vertical frown lines between the brows or horizontal creases like crow’s feet. Others use Botox in more susceptible places that can be cause for concern, like wrinkles around the mouth or bands around the neck.
Red Flags
It is important to remember that Botox is a prescription drug and involves a medical procedure that should be performed in a doctor’s office or heavily regulated environment to assure patient safety. Individuals should never buy and inject Botox themselves. When used properly, Botox can improve facial appearance and restore confidence and self-esteem. Patients who are happy with Botox should not worry, especially if they have been receiving injections from a professional well-versed in injections. Continue to use Botox properly. The powerful drug isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Botox has become a part of life.
Botox has been, and should continue to be, a popular and easy procedure for reducing frown lines or other wrinkles that you may have begun to see in the corners of your eyes, across your brow or around your lips.
If you are interested in Botox injections, talk with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. An experienced physician can safely and relatively painlessly inject the substance, reducing unwanted wrinkles while maintaining the ability for you to show your true emotion.
The specialists at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, in Austin, understand the anatomy and aesthetics of the face. If you would like to learn more about facial plastic surgery, otolaryngology, or how Botox can improve your look, contact Dr. Buckingham at (512) 401-2500.
