BOTOX® is a neurotoxin, botulinum toxin type A, that is used to block messages between muscles and nerves that control them. Within 2-5 days of injections, the effects of BOTOX® become apparent and can generally last for 4-6 months.
What is BOTOX® used for?
The most common use for BOTOX® Cosmetic is to reduce the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles near the eyes and forehead area for a temporary period of time. Currently, the FDA has not approved injections in other parts of the face and/or body. These types of injections may be used and are referred to as “off-label” procedures.
Why Does My Eye Doctor Offer BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic injections require a physician to choose the best place to inject the medication in order to treat your specific condition. Your ophthalmologist would be the best person to understand the delicate tissue surrounding your eyes and the complex structure of the underlying muscles.
What are the side effects and complications of BOTOX®?
Side effects and complications of BOTOX® include but are not limited to:
- Bruising
- Under correction (not enough effect) or over correction (too much effect)
- Facial asymmetry (one side looks different than the other)
- Paralysis of a nearby muscle leading to: droopy eyelid, double vision, inability to close the eye, difficulty whistling or drinking from a straw
- Generalized weakness
- Permanent loss of muscle tone with repeated injections
- Flu-like syndrome or respiratory infection
- Nausea or headache
- Development of antibodies to Botox
- Botox contains human-derived albumin and carries a theoretic risk of virus transmission. There have been no reports of disease transmission through Botox.
Am I eligible for BOTOX® Cosmetic?
You should not have BOTOX® if you are pregnant; nursing; allergic to albumin; have an infection, skin condition, or muscle weakness at the site of the injection; or have Eaton-Lambert syndrome, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or myasthenia gravis.
Before-and-after effects of BOTOX® injections
If you have any questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic, please schedule a visit with Eye Physicians of North Houston at (281) 893-1760 or visit us online for more information at www.northhoustoneyecare.com.