Botox is an injectable product derived from the botulinum toxin. While it stems from the same microbe that can give you botulism, it’s completely safe in its modified form when administered by a medical professional, such as your New York dermatologist. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2002, Botox has helped thousands of men and women look better and feel better about themselves since then.

Botox is best known for being able to temporarily hide facial lines and wrinkles through sub-dermal injections, but it has other approved uses as well. For example, in the hands of a qualified doctor, Botox injections can:

• Prevent migraine headaches in some people
• Control an overactive bladder
• Reduce how much you sweat, if it’s become a problem
• Manage a condition known for repetitive neck twitches
• Treat lazy eye

All symptoms, potential procedural/surgical options should always be discussed with your physician after a thorough consultation and examination  for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Botox Works

The botulinum toxin is still a poison, but it’s a very mild one. It works by blocking specific chemical signals from reaching your brain. In essence, it deadens the nerves of muscles temporarily, which relaxes your facial features. As a result, your muscles can’t contract and the lines on your face soften. They no longer form when you change your expression because the muscles surrounding them don’t move.

When it’s used for cosmetic reasons, your Manhattan dermatologist injects Botox directly into the appropriate muscles of your face. Botox can remain in effect for up to four months. The first time you get Botox injections, however, it may last for less than three months. There are individual differences in the length of time the toxin stays active, so your results may vary.

Is Botox for You

Botox is the first and most well known injectable product for fighting wrinkles, but it’s no longer the only one. Since it was the first, though, Botox has the longest track record of proven success. Other FDA-approved products, according to the Mayo Clinic, are Dysport, Xeomin and Myobloc.

To determine if Botox injections can help you, consult your local dermatology doctor in New York City. During your initial visit, before your first injection, make sure you relate the following information to the dermatologist:

• Any muscle or nerve diseases you may have
• All the medical conditions you’re currently suffering from
• Your plans for any surgery in the next four months
• All the medications, vitamins and supplements you’re taking
• When and where you last had any Botox injections
• If you’ve had Dysport, Xeomin or Myobloc injections

Dermatological Uses of Botox

Most often, New Yorkers want Botox injections to battle cosmetic facial lines. Injected correctly, Botox freezes key facial muscles so that your wrinkles don’t form. Botox relaxes the injected muscles enough to make you look years younger. Botox is usually used to make the following facial lines virtually disappear:

• Crow’s feet, which appear at the far corners of your eyes
• The glabellar lines between your eyes, also known as frown or worry lines
• The furrows above your eyebrows in your forehead

These are usually the largest wrinkles on your face and the ones that can cause you to look the oldest. The toxin begins to take effect several days after your injections. At that point, you should notice the difference. Because the treatment only lasts for three to four months, you’ll need to return to your New York City dermatologist for subsequent injections.