Thunder Bay Laser Clinic

Botox has been used over many years to treat people with hyperactive muscle conditions, such as misalignment of the eyes and contractions of the eyelids. Since then, it has also been used to relieve cerebral palsy in children. Botox, more recently, has also been used to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines.

As we get older, the lines created from repeated facial expressions, such as frowning and squinting form wrinkles. Wrinkles can give us the appearance of not only aging, but of worry or even anger. Botox has helped many people worldwide greatly reduce the appearance of frown lines or wrinkles, giving them a more relaxed and refreshed appearance.

Botox is short for "Botulinum Toxin A", a specific class of drugs, which contains a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent. The Botox injectable treatment causes the release of acetylcholine to be blocked which affects the motor nerve endings (or nerves that lead to muscles). This causes muscles to relax.

It is important to mention that Botox is NOT a filler. It contains an agent to temporarily paralyze the muscles it is injected in to.

Botox is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure to treat wrinkles. Small amounts of Botox are injected into the wrinkle-producing muscles of the face. For example, when Botox is injected into the muscles surrounding the eyes, those muscles will not be able to contract for a period of time, causing crow's feet to disappear temporarily. In other words, the muscle-relaxing agent contained within Botox will relax the muscles for a short time, creating the inability for those muscles to create facial expressions. It is repeated facial expressions, which can form creases and wrinkles over time. Just a few small injections of Botox is all it takes to greatly reduce the muscle contractions which cause skin to form lines and wrinkles. Repeated sessions are suggested for more long-term results.

Botox is a very effective and relatively inexpensive way to look younger.

If looking your best is a priority, Botox may be the answer. Many men and women suffer from frown lines, crow's feet or wrinkles, causing them to look older, tired, stressed or even angry. Botox is a very effective solution to reduce muscle-related wrinkles.

Most Botox clients are in their 30's, 40's or 50's. However, Botox can be used on any adult 65 years of age and younger. Botox should not be used during pregnancy, if you are breastfeeding, if you are on certain medications, or if you suffer from a neurological disease. A Representative from the Thunder Bay Laser Clinic will confirm all of this information during your first consultation. It is very important that you are upfront about all medications you are currently taking. If you have any questions, you should also consult your physician.

Botox is performed in our office and takes approximately 10 minutes. It is a completely non-surgical and non-invasive procedure, which means you can go back to work or continue with other activities immediately following treatment.

Very tiny amounts of Botox are injected precisely into the muscles being treated. The needle used is very fine, and a small amount of liquid is used, so the pain associated with the injection is considered very minimal. The sensation can be compared to that of a bug bite. Absolutely no sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume your work or normal activities immediately following treatment.

Botox has been used safely in ophthalmology for over 10 years, and in wrinkle therapy for over 6 years.

Botox side effects are relatively uncommon. The longest any Botox side effect can last is a maximum of 6 months. This is because Botox treatments are temporary. Anyone with a neuromuscular disorder should first consult their physician before undergoing a Botox injection.

The most common side effects include bruising at the site of the injection and headache. Less frequently occurring side effects (less than 3%) include face pain, erythema at the site of the injection, and temporary eyelid droop. These less likely side effects are related to the injection itself, and usually subside within 1 week.

After receiving a Botox treatment, you should see a noticeable difference within just a few days. Your face will not look unnaturally smooth or frozen after treatment. The reduction of frown lines between your brows, around your eyes and within the forehead area, will give you a rejuvenated appearance.

In a recent clinical study, 82.5% patients reported an improvement in glabellar lines after one week.

The effects of Botox usually last 3-4 months, after which, another treatment is required. After receiving several treatments, you may find that the effects last longer.