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Botox is the trade name for Botulinum toxin Type A. These injections have been used for more than a decade in children and adults to reduce facial muscle spasm. Botox has also been effective in correcting double vision due to muscle imbalance. By injecting minute amounts of Botox directly into specific muscles, wrinkles such as crow's feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles can be greatly reduced or eliminated by relaxing the muscles that cause them. The treatment takes effect in approximately five to seven days and lasts for three to five months at a time. The treatment can then be repeated multiple times and longer lasting results may occur with repeated injections. Dr. McBride uses the highest dose of Botox that he thinks will be effective for your muscle problem. This works very well for the longest period of time. Therefore, you will not have to return as frequently as when more typical, lower doses are used. Men’s muscles, and some women’s muscles, require larger doses, and the effect may not last as long. If you do not obtain the result you desire after ten days, please come in for re-evaluation. We can easily augment your result with additional Botox. The additional Botox dose will be charged at the normal fee. Side effects and complications have been minimal. Occasionally, slight swelling and/or bruising may last for several days after an injection. Rarely an adjacent muscle may be weakened for several weeks after an injection. This may cause a slight lowering of the eyelid or some double vision. This will resolve as the effect of the Botox fades. Gradually over three to five months, the Botox effect will fade and the muscle action will return. When the lines start to re-appear, a simple repeat treatment is all that is necessary to maintain the desired result. Immediately After Injection: • Do not massage or rub around the injection sites. By manipulating the injected areas, you may inadvertently spread the Botox to adjacent muscles which you do not wish to relax. • Actively use the injected muscles as much as possible for the first two (2) hours. Frown to activate the muscles between and above the eyes. Smile or squint to activate the muscles around the eyes. Actively using the injected muscles promotes absorption of the Botox and produces a more uniform result. • Avoid strenuous exercise for two (2) hours after injection. |