Do you think Botox is safe for removing wrinkles? Do you know anyone who had this done? How long does it last? Do you think it can cause botulism?

It's not FDA approved for all facial wrinkles - only deep lines in the forehead. Yet doctors inject in in laugh lines, crow's feet, generally anywhere on the face. I figure it is not FDA approved for a reason....So no, I don't beleive it is totally safe. Botox is also injected under the arms to stop perspiration...it might be FDA approved for that but not 100% sure.

I do know someone who had botox injections for wrinkle "removal" She had it done to the forehead, around eyes, and around lips. She was severely bruised afterward for a week or so and she looked no different afterwards. I was actually surprised that I couldn't see any difference.

As for causing botulism, there is that possibility. In Dec 2004 there were 4 cases reported that were thought to be linked to Botox. But while you may not get Botulism, you are getting the results of Botulism which is paralysis. It's just that in this "sterile" form it is controlled and only injected in areas that you want paralyzed.

Thanks Georgia. I think I'm gonna throw out my 10X mirror. I hate that thing.

Just wear over-sized sunglasses and never look un a mirror under direct sun-light

two years ago i went to a party with my god sister out in Seattle. The guy just happened to be a plastic surgeon. I was of course pretty lit and was asking the guy all sort of questions about facelifts and rhinoplasty, and Botox.
He asked me how I was, I told him i was 23, he said give me 10 minutes and you can look 19 after the swelling goes down.
"I'll hook you up for free."
so we went downstairs to his pool room and injected me with Botox around the edge of my eyes, ya know where crows feet are, then two over my eyebrows.
It was a mistake, after about 9 months it went away, and now if i want it again I have to pay about $500.00 - $1,200 a treatment.
I don't look bad or anything, but I look like I aged rather quickly.
Never get Botox. it's a perpetual money grabber. From looking 19 for a while to around my age in a matter of 3/4 of a year really isn't good.

I'd say do botox if you can afford the treatment. but be ready to continuesly shell out good money for it to keep the appearance.
I only did it cause it was free. I'd never pay for it.

Ya know, I never thought of it THAT way!

I had no real interest in Botox, but I am rally reluctant to do any experimentation now!

Who needs an instant "Age Progression"?!!

quote:

Do you think Botox is safe for removing wrinkles? Do you know anyone who had this done? How long does it last? Do you think it can cause botulism?

Did you know there are treatments available that can actually fill in wrinkles from beneath the skin? Juvederm is a process that gives volume and fullness to the skin to soften wrinkles
Facial rejuvenation options are very popular today because everyone wants to look as good as they can. Both men and women can benefit from filling in those fine lines and wrinkles in the face and neck

I agree with Ron....that stuff doesn't last and why spend all that money when in a few months it will wear off...Unfortuantely there is only one cure for aging.

From Wikipedia -

Juvéderm, one of the newest of the so-called “injectable fillers,” is used by cosmetic, dermatological and plastic surgeons to soften deep folds and reduce wrinkles in the faces of patients. The substance is chemically closely related to the facial filler Restylane; both are largely comprised of hyaluronic acid, a substance normally found in the skin, muscles, and tendons of mammals. Approved in June 2006 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Juvéderm’s prime use is removing nasolabial folds, or “smile lines,” creases of skin which run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. It is also used as a lip augmentation agent, to fill in hollow places and scars on the face. Juvéderm is being touted as “the next generation” hyaluronic acid facial filler and is said by physicians to be slighter smoother to inject and perhaps somewhat longer lasting in the body than Restylane. However, all hyaluronic acid facial filler products are eventually absorbed by the body, usually within six to nine months, causing the patient to undergo repeat injections to maintain the younger look.[1]

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Patients, physicians and researchers say usual, expected side effects include temporary redness, pain and tenderness during injections and swelling and bruising at the injection sites. The more serious side effects include immune system reactions that result in facial lumps and bumps known as granulomas, bothersome reactions that are very difficult for physicians to treat. According to Allergan, Juvéderm’s manufacturer, the substance should not be used in patients with severe allergies, particularly those who have allergies to bacterial proteins or patients with a history of anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life threatening hypersensitivity to some drugs and proteins.

References

1. Monheit, Gary D and Coleman, Kyle M; Dermatologic Therapy 19 (3), 141-150; May 2006.

I can't swear to it but I think that Botox was FDA approved for the treatment of excessive perspiration before it was approved for cosmetic purposes- a friend's daughter recieved such treatments quite a long time ago and I'm certain her pediatrician would not have even suggested it if it were not an approved useage. (No, it was not mere vanity, the girl sincerely had a problem as a child that, mercifully, abated when she hit puberty some sort of glandular imbalance)


I've been tempted at moments by the fillers, but doubt that I'd ever actually have the procedures... I'm a big ol' commitophobe, so I'm unlikely to do something that needs to be repeated every 6 months to a year

The first use for Botox was for eye spasms. And yes, there are other options, including the cosmetic fillers. The fillers have pros and cons too. The biggest thing to remember with all of these is that they're not permanent. Once you start, you have to keep using them or the wrinkles will come back. There's also less drasti measures like exfoliants, AHAs etc. There's more info at Anti-Aging Skin Treatments on these different procedures. Final caveat - make sure you use a reputable dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience in these kinds of procedures.