botox®: more than skin deep

It’s been talked about in the media for years, part of water-cooler speculation and has even played a part in a recent political campaign – “did she or did she not get BOTOX?” According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, more than 3 million people received treatment in 2004. That includes, then, average people who want to reduce the appearance of aging without surgery.

“BOTOX injections are the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the industry,” says Dr. Brett Shulman, a board-certified dermatologist with practices at the Greece, Joseph C. Wilson and Marion B. Folsom health centers in Rochester. His staff has seen an increase in questions about BOTOX use and safety because people are considering it cosmetically for the first time. “What’s lesser known is that doctors can administer BOTOX to alleviate hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that affects 1.3 million Americans.”

How does BOTOX work as a cosmetic procedure? Is it safe? Are there side effects?

BOTOX is a medication that can help reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles around the forehead and eyes, resulting in skin that looks healthier and younger, for up to four months. It is an FDA-approved and clinically-proven treatment best administered by a board-certified dermatologist.

The procedure uses a series of tiny injections of very small amounts of BOTOX into the superficial muscles of the face. “There’s no prolonged recovery period, and side effects are rare, generally minimal and temporary,” says Schulman.

What is hyperhidrosis? How can BOTOX treat it?

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs in the armpits, hands, feet or facial areas. Hyperhidrosis is more than just an embarrassment, it is a medical condition. This common skin condition affects people of every age, race and gender, but it is very common in young women. Hyperhidrosis is sometimes managed with over the counter antiperspirants, including “super” dry products, or with prescription topical medications. Hyperhidrosis sufferers may bathe or change clothes many times a day or carry “supplies” of extra clothes, antiperspirants, powders, or towels to manage underarm sweat. At its worst, hyperhidrosis may affect the social or career plans of sufferers. Imagine becoming a professional fund-raiser with dripping palms or a hair-stylist with sweat rings in the armpits each time you lift your hands.

BOTOX is among the non-surgical treatments that can help when antiperspirants don’t.

“It decreases the function of sweat glands in the areas that are injected,” explains Shulman. “It’s highly effective and typically (in more than 50 percent of cases) lasts six months or longer. No permanent change takes place in the tissues, so sweating will return gradually if you stop treatment.” It is also sometimes covered by medical insurance.

Dr. Shulman advises you to speak with your doctor about products or treatments that may be right for you if you have or think you may have hyperhidrosis.

ROCHESTER RESOURCE Dr. Brett Shulman, Lifetime Health Medical Group, (585) 292-8460.