Botox®
BOTOX® treatment for blepharospasm (eyelid spasms)
Blepharospasm can also be treated with BOTOX®. This condition causes spasms in and around the eyelids. This results in frequent blinking and closing of the eyes that you can’t control. Because of these symptoms, it can be hard to see. Treatment with BOTOX® can help reduce muscle spasms. This reduces blinking, which may help improve your ability to see. The product has been used in a variety of other therapeutic applications such as Spasmodic Neck, Writers
Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX), is a sterile purified botulinum toxin produced from cultures and supplied to doctors for use in treating certain forms of strabismus and blepharospasm.
Botox for Blepharospasm
Botox is a nerve impulse “blocker”. It binds to nerve endings and prevents the release of chemical transmitters that activate muscles. These chemicals carry the “message” from the brain that causes a muscle to contract: if the message is blocked, the muscle doesn’t spasm. Botox usually takes full effect with in one to two weeks. However, the nerve endings usually grow new connections to the muscles at sites that have not been exposed to Botox. Therefore, treatment must be repeated as directed by the physician.
Cosmetic Botox
Botox injections are used to treat facial wrinkles, restoring a youthful, rested appearance.
BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used to temporarily reduce facial lines in over 1 million people. Since its approval by the FDA in 2002 BOTOX® Cosmetic has become extremely popular as a non-surgical treatment for frown lines and wrinkles. These facial lines are caused by repeated muscle movement. As we frown or smile, muscles contract and pull the skin. As we age our skin becomes less elastic. Repeated pulling of the skin results in the formation of lines and wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that when injected into a muscle will block the nerve impulses that cause that muscle to move. The doctor injects small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic into the facial muscles responsible for the frown lines and wrinkles. By reducing the movement of the muscle the lines begin to diminish and the face appears much smoother.
The BOTOX® injections are minimally invasive and are administered in the doctor’s office. The entire process usually takes less than 15 minutes. Most patients resume normal activities immediately following the treatment. Patients will usually see results within a few days. The treatment lasts approximately three months.
As with all cosmetic procedures there are risks. You should be properly evaluated by a qualified doctor to determine if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you. Call our office 860-928-0414 to schedule an appointment with Dr. James C. Dean.