Botox works by blocking the nerve impulses which control muscle movement. When injected into muscle tissue, a flaccid paralysis results after about 3 to 4 days, and this paralysis can last anywhere from 3 to 8 months.

Botox injections are used for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles. Botox therapy will not work for wrinkles caused by sun damage or for sagging skin. Commonly treated areas include forehead lines, laugh lines, lip lines and neck lines.

Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as myesthenia gravis should not be treated with Botox, nor should patients who are allergic to it, although allergic reactions have not been observed. No side effects from Botox injections have been reported when pregnant or nursing women have been inadvertently treated, although safety during pregnancy or lactation has not been firmly established. Certain medications, such as quinine or calcium channel blockers, can increase the effect of Botox.

Specializing In: