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Botox in Chicago / Des Plaines – The Midwest Center for Sight
Effects of Heredity and Time
We were all born with smooth, baby soft skin. As frowning and smiling children, the muscles under our skin contract to display facial lines of emotion, signifying happiness or sadness. As soon as our emotions return to normal, our expression lines disappear. But as we go through a lifeline of emotions, and our skin begins to lose its elasticity, these facial lines do not go away completely, making us look older than we feel. We can often be mistaken as tired or angry even though we feel perfectly fine.
Chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing have been the primary means of reducing these undesirable effects. However, because they are limited in safety and control, there is risk of scarring with these procedures and the cosmetic results are not always predictable.
Botox injection is a revolutionary wrinkle reduction procedure that can reduce or eliminate wrinkles in the upper third of the face, including forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet around the eyes. It is safe, and all activities can be resumed immediately after treatment.
Botox is a protein that weakens and inactivates muscles that wrinkle the skin. Initially used back in 1973 to relax overactive eye muscles that cause "crossed eyes" and facial tics, Botox has since gained popularity to treat a number of muscular diseases and for use as a cosmetic agent. Dr. Jeffrey Mono , an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon, has been administering Botox since 1988.
When Botox is injected in extremely small doses directly into a specific muscle, it blocks the signals from the brain from reaching the muscle. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles caused by muscle contractions soften and often disappear.
Botox, when used in these extremely small does, has a high level of safety. Since Botox proteins are only attracted to muscles, it has no effect on the central nervous system or on the body if injected into a nerve or a blood vessel. And because of the muscle's ability to repair itself through the formation of new muscle fibers, complete recovery is possible.
The First Step
Arrange an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Mono to determine if you are a candidate for Botox injection. Since every individual is unique and has special needs, a personal consultation will be necessary. Together, you and Dr. Mono will determine the number and regularity of treatments best for you. Women who are pregnant or nursing are not candidates for this procedure. Additionally, patients with certain neuromuscular diseases or patients taking certain medications may not be suitable candidates. It is important that you disclose all relevant medical information to Dr. Mono during the consultation.
Recently, Botox injections have been used for attempted relief of chronic migraine headaches. Further research regarding this use is underway. At present, some patients do note improvement in their condition.
The Procedure
Botox injection can be performed in an examination room environment. The number of injections depends on the amount of area being treated. Because of the use of a micro-needle and extremely small amounts of liquid, any stinging sensation is minimal and subsides quickly. Iced compresses may also be used before and after treatment to minimize discomfort.
Side-effects of Botox injections are minimal. Because the protein does not affect the nerves, there is no numbness in the area of the injections and muscles related to other facial expressions are rarely affected.
One or two patients in every hundred may experience a temporary drooping of the eyelid but this usually goes away in a week or two. Slight bruising can also occur around the injection sites, which can usually be covered with make up. Some patients may also experience a mild headache for a while.
The effects of the initial injections are not seen for three or four days and will not be complete for about two weeks. Repeat injections may be recommended every three or four months during the first year to keep the muscle blocked and allow the skin to smooth out.
After the first set of treatments you will need to return only when you notice a return in muscle movement which may not occur for 4 or 5 months or more. As these muscles are inactive over time, patients are often broken of the bad frowning habits, which further prolongs the effect.
Hundreds of thousands of men and women have already experienced the rejuvenating effects of Botox injection. If you are in good health, have good skin tone and realistic expectations, Botox injection may be your answer to a more youthful and healthy appearance.