Botox in Plastic Surgery
Botulinum toxin is a toxin that is normally secreted from a particular dangerous bacterium. It is lethal to human beings because it paralyzes the body muscles. Scientists during the turn of the century, succeeded in isolating this toxin and preparing it in very miniature quantities. Plastic surgeons made use of botox and injected it in very small quantities of 10-200 IU, in the human body. It had the beneficial effect of inducing temporary paralysis in overactive muscles.
Botox in Plastic Surgery
Botulinum toxin is useful for many patients who are just beginning to show signs of facial aging. They desire improvement, but their aging is too early to warrant surgery. Furthermore, they are reluctant to invest cost or time in surgical intervention. For these patients, Botox is the perfect solution. Botox is pre-formed as a powder, and kept frozen below -5 degrees Celsius. The Registered nurse prepares Botox by adding saline to this powder, thus obtains Botox injections ready to be administered directly. Prof Wilson injects Botox within 24-48 hours of its preparation , otherwise it loses its efficacy. Botox is different in its composition and mechanism of action from Fat Transfer. It is also different from fillers, which merely treat wrinkles by raising the depressed lines. Prof Wilson performs these procedures without anesthesia or under local anesthesia.
Botox in Plastic Surgery Injections
Overactive muscles contract and cause dynamic wrinkles, as part of the aging process. These include frown lines, forehead lines and crows’ feet. Botulinum Toxin improves these wrinkles and gives the skin a fair smooth complexion.
Botulinum toxin, is commercially available as Botox® or Dysport®. Dr Wilson, does not recommend other products of Chinese origin (Neuronox, Refinex), although they might be cheaper. Botox acts by blocking electrical impulses that cause muscle contraction, resulting in muscle weakness or paralysis. The resultant paralysis, however, is temporary, as the new growth of nerves will re-innervate the muscles. Prof Wilson has used Botox since its inception in 1990, to reduce facial wrinkles arising from muscle contraction.
What can you expect at the time of your procedure?
Prof Wilson injects Botulinum Toxin directly into the muscles responsible for the wrinkles, using a very fine needle. He might use several injections at specific sites, depending on the area treated.
Dr. Wilson recommends that you apply a local anesthetic cream (e.g. Emla,) for at least 60 minutes before the injection time to avoid feeling even the pinprick of the injection. Alternatively, he might use a Lidocaine nerve block to numb the treated area.
What are the Results?
Botulinum Toxin usually starts working within 72 hours after the injection, and achieves maximum effect within 1 to 2 weeks. Its effects generally last 3-6 months, depending on the dose and site of treatment. Dr Wilson carefully injects Botox into the muscles that are responsible for expression wrinkles, thus giving the face a more relaxed and smoother appearance. When you notice a gradual fading of treatment effect, you may return to have another treatment.
What are the Limitations?
Botox in Plastic Surgery can be very effective in reducing wrinkles due to muscle contractions (dynamic wrinkles). Prof Wilson commonly uses Botox for wrinkles in the forehead, around the angle of the eye and marionette lines in the mouth. Unfortunately Botox has no effect in reducing fine lines on the face caused by sun damage, or sagging lines due to gravity (static wrinkles). Dr Wilson sometimes needs to repeat treatments in patients with heavy lines, to achieve maximum effect. He advises repeating the treatments every 6 months for 2-3 years, to produce permanent paralysis of target muscles. This long lasting effect is attained and alleviates the need for further injections.
What is the cost of Botox Treatment?
Professor Wilson believes that affordable cost plastic surgery is the right of every individual. He will never allow financial restraints to prevent you getting rid of your unsightly lines. However, many factors affect the cost of Botox treatment, including the site of lines, depth of lines, type of Botox, and other factors. After the consultation, the patient coordinator will offer you an affordable price quote.
For a rough estimate of cost of Botox treatment, please click here.
