Can Botox Cure Acne?

Created on 29th September 2009

According to an American plastic surgeon Botox may be an effective cure for acne. The surgeon, who specialises in facial cosmetic surgery, claims that when injected into the top layer of the skin, Botox can freeze the facial pores and therefore prevent them from producing the excess oil that can cause spots and acne.

Botox is normally used to 'freeze' facial muscles in order to smooth out existing wrinkles and prevent new ones forming.

Dr Anil Shah, who practises plastic surgery in Chicago, has devised a way to help prevent and eliminate acne break outs by injecting areas of the skin that are prone to spots with Botox.

Shah has used this method to treat over 100 patients so far. He says that he has had fantastic results by using Botox. He claims that the method works by 'freezing' the skin's pores into place. The stops them from producing excess oil and - as a result of this - the skin stops becoming greasy which means that the pores don't clog up and outbreaks of acne are prevented.

However, despite Dr Shah's enthusiasm about his new technique and it's success, other surgeons have said that using Botox in the treatment of acne must be carried out with caution. The skin on the face and the muscles underneath are very thin which is why neurotoxin injections such as Botox can only be made into the very top layers of the skin. If this isn't carried out properly then the Botox would travel too deep into the face and cause facial paralysis.

This, of course, provides the effects that people want when they use Botox to remove and prevent wrinkles forming.

Anil Shah is currently offering his Botox treatment in his Chicago surgery for patients with acne who have had no success in curing their spot break outs with more traditional methods such as antibiotics, light therapy and spots creams.