Dr. Dirk Lazarus
Plastic Surgeon

Tel: 021 424 1112
Fax: 021 424 1118

86 New Church St
Tamboerskloof
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa

BOTOX, or Botulinum toxin Type A, weakens the muscle(s) responsible for creating a wrinkle or group of wrinkles and by removing the cause, the wrinkle eventually fades and becomes less noticeable. Botox acts only locally and highly selectively on the treated muscle. It does not freeze the face or the expression. Areas which can be treated and the doses required for treatment are listed below.

Treatment involves simple and relatively painless injection (said to feel like an ant bite sting). This is performed in the rooms and requires no anaesthesia. Small bumps and a slight redness due to the injection last about half an hour. Muscle weakness starts only 1-2 days after injection and takes about a week to reach full effect. Muscle function will begin to return after about 3-6 months, but this is often slightly weaker than before. The injection can be repeated regularly for best effect.

Botox is relatively safe. Despite widespread use, toxicity has not been reported. Occasionally the effect can be excessive and problems such as eyelid droop or tearing can occur, but always this is only temporary. Some bruising and occasional headache may be experienced for a few days after injection.

First used in 1973 for the treatment of squints, Botox has recently been licensed by the FDA for the cosmetic treatment of certain wrinkles. Botox works by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, at the junction of the nerve with the muscle. For more information, go to www.botox.com. The usual dose of Botox that I give is as follows. Prices are per unit.

Testimonials from patients who have had botox.