| A dermal filler is a neurotoxin produced by the same | | | | immediately return to work or other responsibilities. |
| bacterium that causes the form of food poisoning | | | | Even so, those considering injections should keep in |
| known as Botulism. While related, there is no chance | | | | mind that it is a medical procedure and should be |
| of contracting botulism from the purified protein. It | | | | performed in a medical setting that is equipped to |
| attaches itself to nerve endings, blocking the | | | | handle an emergency situation. The FDA still requires |
| neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions, | | | | that medical manufacturers warn patients of the risk |
| effectively causing paralysis. If it were to enter an area | | | | of toxins spreading from a local injection site. However, |
| like the chest, the toxin could impair breathing and have | | | | no serious adverse results have been reported |
| negative effects. However, when injected in a medical | | | | associated with dermatological use of dermal fillers. |
| setting, skilled doctors are able to inject it into a specific | | | | More common side effects include temporary pain and |
| muscle and keep it from spreading to other parts of | | | | redness, muscle weakness, headaches and nausea. |
| the body. Injections have been approved since 1989 | | | | Cosmetically, dermal filler injections are effective in |
| for used in treating a variety of medical conditions | | | | these very specific areas including frown lines |
| involving involuntary muscle contractions known as | | | | between the eyes and on the forehead, crow's feet |
| spasms. Additional uses under investigation include | | | | at the corners of the eyes and skin bands on the |
| treatment of excessive sweating and writer's cramp. | | | | neck. They are not recommended, or FDA approved, |
| Of course, since 2002 dermal fillers have been most | | | | for use around the mouth in order to avoid negative |
| well known for their use in cosmetic surgery where it | | | | effects on the muscles used for talking and eating. |
| is injected into areas like the forehead. This result was | | | | The injections will not be effective on wrinkles caused |
| actually discovered as a side-effect of treatment for | | | | by sun-damage, gravity grown jowls or other wrinkles |
| eye-muscle disorders. The injections softened the | | | | that have been etched permanently over the years. |
| glabellar lines between the eyes that tend to make | | | | With the results of the injections lasting only about four |
| people look tired, angry or disgruntled. | | | | months, the time required and expenses can add up |
| The injections are popular for being a quick, painless | | | | quickly. |
| procedure which requires no recovery. Patients can | | | | |