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The procedure known as cosmetic denervation utilizes BOTOX® injections to
improve the appearance of worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, crows
feet and other dynamic wrinkles. BOTOX® is the trade name of Botulism Toxin
Type A, a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
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By
using extremely small doses of BOTOX®, injected directly into a
specific muscle, only the action of that muscle will be temporarily
paralyzed. Therefore, the problem caused by that muscle, such as a twitch
spasm or frown line will be stopped. The actual treatment takes only
a few minutes and the BOTOX® takes effect in three to four days.
Over three to four months the BOTOX® effect will fade, and the muscle
action will return. When the lines start to reappear, a simple repeat
treatment is all that is needed to maintain the desired result.
BOTOX® is also a very effective treatment for excessive sweating of the palms
of the hands and underarm areas. When injected very superficially, only
the sweat glands are affected without causing muscle weakness. It is
extremely effective and will last up to one year in the anatomical sites.
BOTOX was recently found to have a high response rate by physicians and study
patients, according to a recent study It represents the first large,
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Multicenter, parallel
study of BTX-A on the severity of brow furrow tines. The study involved
14 sites across the United States and Canada over 120 days involving
263 patients.
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The Study
indicated 83.7% of patients with moderate to severe glabellar (brow
furrow) facial lines were rated with mild or no lines 30 days post treatment.
"As
a clinician and researcher, I am both impressed and excited by these
new findings and the tremendous possibilities for Botox use," said
one of the study's three lead investigators, Alastair Carruthers, MD,
clinical professor, University of British Columbia. "Even though
thousands of patients with facial wrinkles have been successfully treated
with botulinum toxin type A for a decade, it's incredibly important
to have proof-positive of Botox's remarkable safety, efficacy and long
duration of action. This can only be attained via a well-designed multi-center
research study."
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BTX-A is
an investigational compound for use in people with hyperactive facial
lines. A highly stable, purified form of botulinum toxin type A is currently
marketed in the U.S. under the brand name BOTOX® by Allergan,
Inc. for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm associated with
dystonia - disorder of the eye muscles that control blinking.
Cosmetic
Dermatology, July 2000, p. 10 |
