NursingLink

So, it looks like no one has responded to your question, and it certainly has been a long time.  Anyways, I wanted to respond simply for the fact that many nurses are not well versed in dermatology- pressure ulcers and burns is about it and Botox is certainly a hot topic in the Derm/Cosmetic world.  I thought it would be kinda fun to respond!  I am now a Registered Nursing student (finish up in May 09!!) but before this I worked for 4 years in a derm office as a CMA and loved it.  We did a ton of Botox- pts loved it- it was a quick procedure and they got great results.  I believe Botox cosmetic to be a safe, effective procedure if done by a trained, competant medical professional- no Botox parties.

As I'm sure you know, Botox is essentially a purified protein of Botulinum (think Botulism).  It is a powder in the vial and must be reconstituted with sodium chloride.  A few mL is then injected into the muscle- it works by blocking the acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction and makes it difficult to then move that muscle.  So, if the repetative muscle movement stops then the lines will soften- usually full results from one treatment take about 7-14 days, depending upon the severity, and wears off in about 3-4 months.  One of the risks is ptosis- I've seen it only a few times and it was always subtle- but you must be sure your MD/NP knows what he/she is doing!  

Botox was originally used, in much, much higher doses to treat cervical dystonia in adults and CP in children.  It was FDA approved for cosmetic use to to treat wrinkles in the glabella- it can also be used for periorbital wrinkles (crow's feet) and some MDs will use it for repetative smile lines- but most MDs will use a filler around the mouth instead because Botox in that area can just look too unatural.

Hope this helps!