ELIMINATE FACIAL WRINKLES Many years of frowning and other facial expressions cause frown lines and other "hyperfunctional" lines to form on the face. These are typically most obvious around the brow, in the forehead, to either side of the eyes, and around the mouth and in the neck. These lines may be caused by overactive muscles in the face and neck. They can cause people to look discouraged or angry, even if they are not upset. Botox, a muscle relaxing agent (produced by Allergan Inc.) has been available since 1978 for the treatment of several conditions in which muscles are too active or tight. Originally approved for use in eye muscle disorders (strabismus) and uncontrolled facial muscle spasms (blepharospasm), this agent has proven to be very effective in eliminating or significantly reducing facial lines by relaxing the facial muscles that are responsible for creating the furrows. Small amounts of Botox are injected in a few selected sites into the target muscles, leading to relaxation of these muscles within 48 to 72 hours. The facial lines gradually flatten out over several days, and the improvement lasts |
for an average of 3 to 4 months. Thus, repeat treatments are usually needed 2 or 3 times per year. While many patients with facial wrinkles can be treated with Botox, there are cases in which the facial furrows are too deep or are caused by other factors besides the facial muscle overactivity. In such cases, fillers, laser, or cosmetic facial surgery may be effective either on its own or in addition to Botox therapy. Thus, a patient has to be carefully evaluated to be sure that he or she is a candidate for Botox therapy. In addition, there can be potential side effects from the drug if it is not used properly by a physician experienced in its use. The drug is provided in a dry form and has to be diluted in salt water to create a injectable fluid. If not injected properly or in the correct dosage, the drug can spread and affect other muscles in the face that are not overacting. This can lead to temporary problems as drooping of the eyelid, tearing, or drooping of one side of the mouth. These are very rare in experienced hands. Systemic (whole body) reactions to Botox are extremely rare and have been limited to a few cases of mild allergic reactions. |
ELIMINATE UNDERARM SWEATING: A common and embarrassing social problem is excess sweating that leads to staining of the underarms of shirts and blouses. A series of injections of Botox into the skin in the armpits can stop the sweating in this area and thus prevent staining of clothing. This treatment is effective for several months, so that antiperspirants may not be needed. It does not alter the skin glands that produce odors, so deodorants may still be required. |
NEWER USES OF BOTOX This versatile drug is now used for many medical and cosmetic purposes. In addition to controlling underarm perspiration, it can also eliminate sweating in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is being used to treat some forms of migraine and other types of headaches, to relieve spasms in the bladder and in some areas of the gastrointestinal tract, and to relieve spasms of the temporo-mandibular joint. |
Dr. Stephen Kraft is one of the most experienced users of Botox in Canada. He was the first physician in Ontario (in 1985) and one of the first three in Canada authorized to use it. He has used Botox for treatment of eye muscles and spasms of the facial muscles in hundreds of patients for over 22 years, and he has used it for cosmetic purposes for several years. He has authored or co-authored more than a dozen publications on the use of Botox in several widely-read journals. Since 1984 he has lectured on the uses of this agent to a wide variety of practitioners including ophthalmologists, family physicians, optometrists, neurologists, and allied health personnel.. Dr. Kraft is pleased to offer Botox treatments to relieve facial wrinkles, forehead lines, and underarm sweating. Patients have the option of receiving treatments downtown at the Toronto Western Hospital, at the Yonge Eglinton Laser & Cosmetic Center, or in Richmond Hill at the Health First Medical Centre. For free consultations, Dr. Kraft can be reached at: Yonge Eglinton Laser & Cosmetic Center 416-545-1900 Toronto Western Clinic: 416-603-5892 Health First Medical Centre, Richmond Hill 905-884-7711 Main Office 416-813-7600, Ext 4453 |
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