Botox injections are well known for their facial cosmetic benefits as well as the relief of certain medical conditions such as excessive sweating. Botox works primarily by temporarily decreasing or paralyzing the muscles into which it is injected. Because of the ability to lessen muscle contractions, it is logical to assume that Botox will work for many other medical conditions in which excessive or too strong muscle contractions are the source of pain and dysfunction.

™

Jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that causes facial pain and excessive wear on one's teeth. Typical treatments include night time splints to protect the teeth and medications that attempt to decrease inflammation of the muscle or cause sedation in attempt to limit the strength of the muscle. Neither approach really addresses the source of the problem....excessive muscle activity and spasticity.

Botox would seem to be a very logical approach to the treatment of bruxism. It can be injected precisely into the most sore part of the muscle, weakening the most spastic part of the very large masseter muscle without affecting the ability to chew. Breaking the spasm of a muscle often only requires stopping the origin or focal area of contraction and not the whole muscle. Even with only partial relief of muscle tension, pain is less and less clenching occurs.

This has been precisely my experience with the treatment of clenching and associated TMJ disorders. The key to a successful outcome is to be able to locate by feel the source of muscle spasm. Usually this is possible as the patient knows where the most sore part of the jaw muscle is. Injections can be done either through the outer skin into the underlying muscle or through the mouth if this is easier to access the medial edge of the masseter muscle or the temporalis muscle attachments. The only area to avoid for injecting is directly into and through the parotid gland area. It usually takes about 25 to 30 units per the affected side as a starting dose. It may eventually take a higher dose to get more complete relief but this starting dose should as least get some relief. If no relief is obtained at this dose, this would suggest that a higher dose is unlikely to be effective either.

Like all Botox injections, it takes about a week to see its effect, so patient s have to be patient. I have noticed sometimes that the injections may actually cause some discomfort in the first few days due to the needle trauma to the muscle from the injection. For this reason, I like to mix Marcaine, a 24 hour lasting local anesthetic, with Botox to get some immediate relief before the Botox starts to take effect.

As we reach a certain age we notice fine lines and wrinkles beginning to show up around the eyes, nose, and lips, and over time the lines get deeper and the wrinkles start to multiply. Apart from ageing, we get wrinkles on the skin due to exposure to the sun, smoking, and many other reasons. We use our facial muscles to frown, squint, smile or to concentrate and getting these wrinkles from muscle activity isn't just for older people, it's also a common occurrence in young adults.

Botox is effective cosmetic treatment on wrinkles which muscle activity has caused. It's mostly used on the horizontal lines on the forehead, the vertical lines between your eyebrows and the horizontal lines at the outer corners of your eyes, which are known as crows feet

Injections of Botox are becoming more popular as they offer a less expensive and non-invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery. It's demoralising when we start to notice our make-up beginning to settle in the creases of the face, and seeing the crows feet and laughter lines deepen as it can make us look tired, but Botox can help make us look younger and more rested.

Botox injections are most effective on:

* Deep lines between the eyes

* Lines and creases on the brow

* Forehead lines

* Crows feet around the eyes

* Smoker's lines around the mouth

Before having any Botox treatment, the practitioner will look at the face and make their decision on exactly where they will inject the Botox Botox in Edmonton to get the best results. Botox treatment can fully stop all movement in the forehead so no wrinkles will appear. However by using less product, a more subtle effect can easily be achieved, which will retain some movement in the forehead while still minimising the wrinkles. Botox blocks the nerve impulses to the tiny muscles of the face, reducing contractions of the facial muscles that cause wrinkles and frown lines. Applying a topical anaesthetic cream will minimise any discomfort during your treatment.

The effects of your Botox treatment will last between three and six months, and during this time the Botox will naturally disperse into the body. Those who use Botox regularly will generally find that the effects last longer than new users.

Ageing can get everyone down and it can knock your self-confidence. After Botox treatment your face will still look the same, the injections simply soften the wrinkles and lines in the treated areas. Botox can improve your confidence and enhance your mood, giving you a younger, fresher looking face and skin that looks healthier and rejuvenated.