We all know Botox® is the gold standard when it comes to wrinkle reduction. After all, it is the #1 performed cosmetic procedure in the world today. But there is a reason why Time Magazine dubbed Botox as a blockbuster drug “that’s treating everything.” Did you know that Botox was first approved for medical use, particularly for treating eye muscle spasms? Since its FDA approval, its indications have quickly expanded. Botox now has a wide range of applications, both medical and cosmetic, and is now used in many areas throughout the body. So, yes, Botox can do more than just stop the clock on aging.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we embrace the long track record of safety and patient satisfaction with Botox Cosmetic, using it in many of our combination treatments, including our proprietary Take10 procedure. Serving patients in San Diego, CA for over 30 years, our team’s experience with Botox is unmatched, as we have conducted and continue to participate in many clinical trials involving this product. In fact, we were involved in the original FDA approval research programs almost 20 years ago and became one of the first practices in the country to use Botox.
The Versatility of Botox
Produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, Botox was first discovered by Émile Pierre van Ermengem, a Belgian scientist, during a botulism outbreak. During the 1920s, scientists at the University of California attempted to isolate the compound, and it took two decades to separate the botulinum toxin into crystalline form. This was achieved by Dr. Edward Schantz.
By 1985, botulinum toxin was used to treat strabismus (crossed eyes), leading to the discovery of its ability to treat lazy eye and uncontrolled blinking during the late 80s. The manufacturer, Allergan, then licensed the treatment and branded it as Botox in 1989.
While Botox may have its roots in eye care, the research around it led scientists to discover that the neuromodulator helped reduce wrinkles above the nose and between the eyebrows (glabella). Allergan later commenced clinical trials to study the treatment’s safety and efficacy for moderate to severe frown lines. Our very own Dr. Goldman was part of the research group conducting those initial trials.
On April 15, 2002, the FDA approved Botox as a temporary aesthetic treatment for moderate to severe frown lines in adults. The timeline alone shows how Botox has a proven history as a safe and effective therapeutic agent. And with many years of published research, including over 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, Botox is the most widely researched treatment of its kind.
Subsequently, our in San Diego have conducted dozens of research studies to expand the indications for Botox along with a wide variety of other neuromodulators like, Dysport, Xeomin, Juveau and Daxi, as well as many others yet to be FDA approved. We offer Botox treatments for other medical and cosmetic uses such as:
Preventative Botox
The expert cosmetic dermatologists at our medical spa use Botox on patients in their 20’s and early 30’s to prevent wrinkles and reduce the early signs of aging. The mechanism of Botox is key to understanding how it can be used to prevent the formation of wrinkles. Botox works by blocking signals from the nerves, relaxing the underlying muscle that contracts and causes wrinkles. By relaxing the muscles and training the face to avoid using them (even as the product wears off), Botox can be an effective anti-aging tool to prevent wrinkles from forming in the future.
In a study involving identical twins, researchers found that the twin who received neuromodulator treatments early in life developed fewer and less intense wrinkles compared to the twin who did not undergo the same treatments. This supports the claim that Botox can be used to prevent the development of wrinkles and maintain younger-looking skin long-term.
Bell’s Palsy and Synkinesis
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes one side of the face to become weak or paralyzed, making it stiffen or droop. Facial synkinesis is the loss of control of facial muscles and nerves. Sometimes, the result is muscle movement patterns that are unusual. Those with facial synkinesis are still able to display muscle movements on their face, but they are unable to control other simultaneous movements.
Those dealing with bell’s palsy and synkinesis may benefit from Botox treatments. Botox injections can be administered to either the paralyzed side or the unaffected side. Botox relaxes the tight facial muscles while restricting the spastic movement of other muscles due to synkinesis, resulting in the temporary restoration of facial symmetry and improved facial appearance.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment
When antiperspirants and other topical skin medications aren’t doing their job, Botox injections make for an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. When Botox is injected into the underarms, it temporarily blocks the release of the chemicals that signal that area to sweat. When the glands in the treated area don’t receive these chemical signals, the sweating stops. This means the sweat isn’t just blocked; it simply isn’t produced anymore. Results can last up to a year with a single treatment.
Reduce a Gummy Smile
Those with a “gummy” smile often feel self-conscious when they smile. Fortunately, we can improve a gummy smile without surgically removing excess gum or lip tissue. Our board-certified dermatologists can strategically inject Botox so that your upper lip relaxes and does not pull up as much when you smile. This temporarily reduces the appearance of a gummy smile. These injections can also decrease mouth frown, increase how much lip shows, and reduce vertical lines around the mouth—improving the overall appearance of your smile.
Liquid Facelift
With so many fillers and neuromodulators available today, each designed to treat specific skincare concerns, an experienced and highly skilled board-certified dermatologist can successfully turn back the clock on a patient’s appearance in just one sitting. At our San Diego medical spa, our doctors can create a unique treatment plan based on each individual’s specific cosmetic procedure needs.
A liquid facelift, for instance, is a highly customizable procedure in which we combine neuromodulators and dermal fillers to reduce wrinkles, restore facial volume, and rejuvenate the overall face. Specifically, the combination of injectables can contribute to brow shaping, brow lifting, brow balancing, opening the eyes, smoothing wrinkles, and lifting the nose tip to enhance facial features.
Another effective combination technique is Take10, which can take 10 years off your appearance in one treatment session. Developed exclusively at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology as a non-surgical alternative to a facelift, Take10 combines the use of multiple lasers with advanced injectable fillers and Botox to dramatically reduce the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, skin laxity, and sun damage on a patient’s face, neck, and chest.
Sculpt the Jawline
The ideal, feminine face is also often thought of as a delicate, tapered profile with a V-shape, where the face is widest around the eyes and narrowest toward the jaw and chin. Botox injections to the masseter muscle (where the jawbone meets the cheekbone) can create a slimming effect by reducing a prominent or asymmetric jawline. Botox relaxes the muscle, narrowing the lower face and softening a square jawline. Masseter Botox injections can also relieve symptoms of TMJ, such as headaches, clicking in the jaw, and jaw pain, as well as teeth grinding.
Botox injections can also improve the appearance of neck bands (platysma bands) as it limits the movement of muscles underneath the layers of skin. When injected into the chin muscle, dimples or the pebbly “orange peel” appearance of the chin can significantly improve.
Treat and Prevent Migraines
When injected in areas involved in migraine pain, Botox can block the release of chemicals (neurotransmitters) involved in carrying pain signals from the brain to the nerve endings. Botox injections are effective in helping to prevent and/or minimize the pain of chronic migraines as they serve as roadblocks to nerve pathways, preventing pain before it even begins.
Receive Botox Injections from A Top Medical Spa
Botox and its competitors Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and soon-to-be-released Daxi are currently the top minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure in the country. While there may be plenty of spas and clinics offering the injectable, board-certified dermatologists are trained at the highest level possible for safely and precisely injecting Botox to achieve beautiful and natural-looking results. To schedule a consultation, contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, CA today.
