The muscle-relaxing properties of BOTOX^®

BOTOX^® is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces a protein that blocks the release of acetylcholine and relaxes muscles. Type A is just one of seven different types of botulinum toxin (A, B, C1, D, E, F, and G), and each has different properties and actions. No two of these botulinum toxins are alike.

More than 100 years of research have expanded knowledge of botulinum toxin type A from the identification of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum to the commercialization of botulinum toxin type A as BOTOX^®.

In the 1960s, the muscle-relaxing properties of botulinum toxin type A were tapped for investigational use in realigning crossed eyes. These early studies paved the way for treating other conditions caused by overactive muscles with botulinum toxin type A.

Today, BOTOX^® is produced in controlled laboratory conditions and given in extremely small therapeutic doses. It has helped over 1 million patients worldwide with conditions caused by overactive muscles.

BOTOX^® blocks the nerve from releasing acetylcholine. As a result, the muscle spasms stop or are greatly reduced, providing relief from symptoms.

It's important to remember that botulinum toxin treatment is not a cure. For many people, however, its effects have been dramatic. With BOTOX^®, the nerve will take about 3 months to recover and begin to release acetylcholine, and the muscles may become overactive again. At that point, another injection will be needed to provide relief, as long as no allergic reactions or other significant side effects occurred and clinical response was obtained.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions in patients with cervical dystonia are dysphagia (19%), upper respiratory infection (12%), neck pain (11%), and headache (11%). The most frequently reported adverse reactions in patients with blepharospasm are drooping of the eyelid (21%), superficial punctate keratitis (6%), and eye dryness (6%). Patients with neuromuscular disorders may be at increased risk of clinically significant systemic effects including severe dysphagia and respiratory compromise from typical doses of BOTOX^®. BOTOX^® is contraindicated in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s). The effects of BOTOX^® therapy may be increased with the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics or with other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission.

© 2004 The information is intended for US residents only.
® Marks owned by Allergan, Inc. No use of any Trademark may be made without the prior written authorization of Allergan, except to identify the product or services of the company.

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Filling in skin defects & wrinkles with COLLAGEN

Collagen is a naturally-occuring protein that is found in the deeper layers of our skin. Over the years, it has been found to be very useful for filling in skin defects and wrinkles, as well as for enhancing the lips. Collagen generally comes in two forms. The bovine form, derived from cow collagen, requires a skin test one month before treatment to test for any allergy. The human form contains human collagen grown in a laboratory, and does not require any skin testing. The effects from collagen injection generally last three to four months.
Other injectable fillers

The search is currently ongoing for the ideal injectable filler; a material whose effect will be safe and long-lasting, if not permanent. Candidates include naturally-derived substances similar to collagen, and artificially produced materials based on silicone or acrylic polymers. Some of these products are already in use overseas to fill wrinkles, scars and other irregularities in the face, and are being tested in this country. Please feel free to contact your local advanced laser clinic office for more information.