Botox Treatment of Wrinkles Lines and Excessive Perspiration

Botox® is a naturally derived product that is used to reduce the appearance of some unwanted facial expression lines. In addition, Botox® is used to reduce excessive perspiration of the armpits, hands and feet.

What is Botox®?

Botox® is naturally derived purified botulinum toxin that is FDA approved to reduce facial expression lines as well as to minimize perspiration. It has been used for medical purposes for more than 2 decades. Botox® is capable of preventing the unwanted facial expression lines that eventually develop into permanent wrinkles and furrows. Sometimes, even wrinkles and furrows at rest, seem to improve or disappear after treatment with Botox®.

What is the cause of Facial Expression Lines and Wrinkle Lines?

Facial Expression Lines develop from the movement of the underlying muscles on the overlying skin. Although these lines help us to convey to others a range of emotional states, some facial expression lines always seem to connote fatigue or anger, even if those appearances do not represent how we are feeling. This is especially true of lines of the forehead and between the eyebrows. Other lines, such as crow’s feet, may make us appear older than our chronological age. By the time we are in our 3rd or 4th decade and sometimes younger, permanent creases and furrows, known as Wrinkle Lines, develop in the skin along these Facial Expression Lines.

What is the cause of excessive perspiration of the armpits, hands or feet?

Normal perspiration is the result of the normal stimulation of sweat glands by nerves that regulate perspiration. Excessive perspiration results from the over-stimulation of the sweat glands by these nerves. Botox® very effectively halts these over-stimulated nerves from signaling the sweat glands to perspire.

How does Botox® work?

When the facial expression lines are targeted, Botox ® reduces the activity of the nerves that control the facial expression muscles. For the treatment of excessive perspiration of the armpits, hands and feet, Botox ® reduces the activity of the nerves that stimulate these sweat glands.

What kind of facial lines does Botox® remove?

Prominent facial expression lines, especially horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet are most dramatically and safely improved with treatment.

How does Botox® compare to Fillers?

Botox® and Fillers are used for different purposes. Botox® reduces the activity of the muscles that produce Facial Expression Lines. However, it may not significantly affect those wrinkles and furrows that have already developed and are present in the absence of active facial expression. Filler materials, such as Juvederm® and fat, treat these at-rest Wrinkles Lines and furrows by plumping up the skin. Although Fillers reduce the appearance of lines when there is no facial expression, the moment that you smile or frown, the lines reappear.

How do I know whether I will benefit from Botox® or a Filler for expression lines?

This will depend upon whether you want to treat Facial Expression Lines or Wrinkle Lines. That is, are your lines present at rest (Wrinkles Lines) or only with facial expression (Facial Expression Lines)? Some people benefit more from Botox® than Fillers while others more from Fillers than Botox®. However, many benefit from a combination of Botox® and a Filler. During a consultation, it will be determined whether Botox®, a Filler or a combination will provide the most benefit to you.

How is Botox® administered?

For the treatment of expression lines, a small quantity of this clear, colorless solution is injected directly into the underlying muscles that produce the facial expression lines. Several injections are administered, each one lasting about one second. For the treatment of excessive sweating, the solution is injected just under the skin.

Is there any discomfort with treatment?

There is usually mild discomfort at the injection sites – this only lasts for the duration of the injection, which is usually about one second. There is rarely any discomfort or unusual sensation after treatment.

How long do the results of Botox® last?

The effects of Botox® are temporary. Reduction in facial expression lines usually lasts for up to 4 months. Reduction in excessive perspiration usually lasts for up to 6 months. When the effect of Botox® wears off, treatment can, again, be administered. There is no limit to the number of times that Botox® can be administered.

When can I expect to see results after treatment?

About 24 hours after treatment, reduction of the facial expression lines can be noticed. One to 2 weeks after treatment the maximal benefit is attained. Reduction in perspiration can sometimes be noticed within hours after treatment.

How does the skin appear after Botox®?

Immediately after treatment there may be mild redness and swelling at the treated sites, which usually fades within an hour after treatment. Occasionally there is also mild bruising, which can take a few days to resolve. The skin feels normal and there is no unusual sensation.

Are there any limitations after treatment?

No. Immediately after treatment you may resume all normal activities, including strenuous exercise.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Side effects from Botox® are rare. Side effects would develop if Botox® affected an adjacent muscle, which was not meant to be treated. In that circumstance it, too, would have reduced activity. This has been reported in about 1% of those treated and, when reported, appears as eyelid drooping. Such undesirable changes are temporary, persisting a few months. Dr Green has not observed this side effect in anyone that he has treated.

Can Botox® cause botulism?

No. Extraordinarily small amounts of Botox® are administered. These quantities are insufficient to cause botulism or any related illness.