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Medical Monday: Botox: All you wanted to know

Posted at 7:29 PM, Aug 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-29 20:29:10-04
Dr. Steven Schmidt is a plastic surgeon and Janelle Klubertanz is a registered nurse. Both are with Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic. They joined us on Wisconsin Tonight to discuss Botox. 
 
Botox is a purified protein that helps relax overactive muscles. Originally approved to treat eye muscle spasms, physicians quickly realized the cosmetic benefits for treating deep wrinkles and frown lines.
 
It works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, which reduces the muscle activity that causes lines to form between the brows. Botox helps eliminate that tired or angry look some of us seem to have permanently displayed on our faces.
 
It’s injected into the problem areas. During treatment, very low doses of Botox Cosmetic are injected into specific facial muscles that cause undesired wrinkles. The treatment takes only about 10 minutes and discomfort is minimal. We use a very fine needle, and most patients report only a mild stinging sensation, similar to a mosquito bite. No recovery time is needed after Botox injections.
 
It has a high success rate according to Dr. Schmidt. It takes about three to seven days to take full effect and most patients see improvements that can last four to six months. After treatment, their faces will look natural, only smoother, without the wrinkles and frown lines. Botox is one of the most studied drugs in the world. It is safe, said Dr. Schmidt. 
 
Botox is generally appropriate for patients who want to reduce the appearance of frown lines, creases, and wrinkles. If that’s an issue for you, you are a candidate. Younger patients are increasingly choosing Botox to prevent deep permanent wrinkles from forming.
 
Botox has been used therapeutically for well over 20 years and cosmetically for almost 20 years. In addition to treating wrinkles and frown lines, Botox is also FDA-approved to treat eye spasms, overactive sweating, chronic migraine headaches, and other medical conditions.
 
For information, call Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic at 920-288-8240.