For those of us who suffer from fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, injections of muscle relaxing agents makes a big difference in how those wrinkles seem to melt away.  This type of procedure has been done for more than two decades and the results are quite amazing when done correctly.

The biggest nonsurgical way of managing eyelid wrinkles or crow’s feet is the use of Botox or, in the UK, Vistabel.  It is made by the toxin of the Clostridium botulinum bacterial organism.  This is the same bacterium that causes botulism, a dangerous disease that results in total body muscle weakness.  In small doses, however, the botulinum toxin has major effects on things like blepharospasm, facial spasm, eye wrinkles and wrinkles around the mouth.

Using Vistabel or Botox

Vistabel and Botox are basically identical but are marketed in different parts of the world.  The idea behind using these products is to inject a small amount into the underlying muscle beneath wrinkles.  It takes a bit of knowledge of the anatomy of the face and eyes in order to put the Botox in the proper muscle to achieve the same effect.   This is why Botox and Vistabel should be used by a trained plastic surgeon or nurse trained to know how much Botox to use and where to put it.   Special formulations of Botox and Vistabel are used just for cosmetic use.

Skin loses its elasticity and volume as part of the normal aging process.  The fat diminishes and wrinkles begin to occur.  The effects of the muscles of the face become more prominent and, every time the muscles tense up, the wrinkles look more obvious.  The injections paralyze the muscles and the wrinkles fade away.  The nerve transmissions that normally go to the muscles are blocked and this effect lasts for several months.  The main areas for Botox use include crow’s feet, a deep nasolabial fold, wrinkles above and below the mouth, and wrinkles of the forehead.  The paralysis of the muscles cannot be too complete or the facial muscles will be completely paralyzed and the face will look unnaturally frozen or, worse yet, the facial muscles can droop.  The muscle must be targeted carefully so that surrounding muscles aren’t affected when they shouldn’t be.

Practitioners who give Botox need to know exactly how much Botox to give and where to give it.  This is critical when it comes to having a good outcome without bad side effects.  The wrinkles that work the best are those that occur when your facial expressions change—wrinkles called “dynamic wrinkles”.  Wrinkles from low elasticity and sagging skin tend not to work very well when using Botox.

The good news about Botox is that it is not invasive and is temporary—lasting from three to six months.  If a person doesn’t like the outcome of Botox, it does eventually wear off.