Botox is a neurotoxic protein which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Clostridium botulinum is an organism found in the natural environment where it is largely inactive and non-toxic. Clostridium botulinum, the organism from which Botox is derived, goes through a purification process that when administered in small doses is safe to use.

Botox is injected into the muscles between the eyebrows to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. When injected in small amounts, Botox can restore a smoother and more youthful appearance to your face.

Yes, Botox was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use in April 2002. It has been approved for the treatment of several medical conditions since 1989.

You may notice a little redness or slight swelling at the site of injection. You may be advised to limit certain activities as to allow the muscle group that was treated, time to rest. Within a few hours to a couple of days after the Botox is injected into the affected muscle(s), the spasms or contractions are reduced or eliminated altogether.

It may take up to 1 week before you notice the results from your first treatment. A single Botox treatment can last anywhere from 3-8 months.  Subsequent injections may be administered to help maintain the results you desire.

Botox should not be used in pregnant or lactating women, or by people who have had a previous allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients. Some patients have experienced headaches, mild nausea, mild pain at the site of the injection, temporary weakness/paralysis of the area close to the site of injection, blurred vision, double vision, fatigue, rashes, wheezing and swelling.

Botulinum Toxin Type A is the official name but is also known as Botox, Botox Cosmetic, Myobloc and Dysport. It is important to know that these injectables are not compatible and should never be mixed.

Yes, there are several conditions in which Botox has been approved for treatment. Conditions such as:

• Focal Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Blepharospasm (uncontrolled eye spasms and twitching)
• Strabismus (improper alignment of the eyes  “crossed eyes”)
• Chronic migraines
• Various muscular conditions
• Bladder weakness
• Bowel disorders