Botox Injection - Benefits, Cost & Side Effects

Pre-procedural Tests and Diagnostics

A Botox injection procedure usually does not require pre-procedural diagnostics and your dermatologist can move forward with the procedure if you fulfill all the basic criteria. However, your dermatologist will likely ask you some questions regarding your expectations and the areas you would like to enhance. This is also a good opportunity to let your doctor know of any preexisting medications you may be taking or any other questions you may have regarding the procedure. If you have had any surgeries in the past or struggle with any medical condition, such as diabetes, you must let your doctor know about them as well. 

Based on your cosmetic desire, your dermatologist may mark your face with a pen or marker to show where the injections will be administered. In most cases, diagnosis for Botox conclude here. But, to better understand your overall health and minimize the chances of any complications as much as possible, your dermatologist may perform some diagnostic tests as well, such as:

• Blood Tests: A routine blood test is one of the most commonly performed diagnosis tests that will allow your dermatologist to assess and evaluate your overall health. During this test, the doctor will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. This blood sample will then be analysed in a laboratory.
• Skin Allergy Test: A skin test is used to diagnose certain allergies. The test can show which substances (allergens) are causing your allergic reaction. These substances may include pollen, dust, moulds, and medicines such as penicillin.

How is Botox Treatment Performed?

Botox treatment is fairly simple procedure and takes only a few minutes to complete. It is also an outpatient procedure and is commonly performed in a doctor’s office. Once the treatment is complete and there are no immediate complications, you will be able to go home on the same day of the treatment. Botox usually does not require anesthesia. But, to provide you with comfort, your dermatologist may apply some topical anesthetic over the injection sites. Once the injection sites are numbed, the procedure can begin.

Botox treatment typically begins with the doctor cleaning your face with an anti-bacterial agent and marking appropriate injection sites with a temporary pen or marker. During the procedure, the dermatologist uses very thin needles (about 31 to 32 gauge) to inject small amounts of Botox under the skin. The exact number of shots depends on the size of the area being treated. For example, bigger treatment areas such as jawline or upper face wrinkles usually require more injections or Botox as compared to smaller treatment areas such as glabella lines or gummy smile. To administer the toxin more accurately, your dermatologist may also use ultrasound to guide the needle to the correct muscle.

Once the injections are administered, the initial markings are cleaned off, and your dermatologist may give you an ice pack for any pain or swelling that may occur. Botox usually takes 24 to 72 hours to take effect. To avoid the toxin from spreading to unintended muscles, you must avoid rubbing the injection site too much. Your doctor may also advise you to stay upright for the first 4 hours after the procedure. While some bruises and pain are to be expected, it is usually mild and does not require any medications. These Botox Injection side effects should subside on their own in a few days. 

Post-procedural Care and Recovery

Botox is a completely non-invasive dermatological procedure that does not require any incisions. As a result, it does not require any recovery period or downtime. As previously mentioned, you may experience mild swelling, discomfort, bruising, and redness around the injection sites after your Botox treatment. Typically, these Botox Injection side effects are considered normal and should be expected. These are not indicative of any complications either and should subside on their own in a few hours after the procedure. However, if any of these Botox Injection side effects continue to persist or worsen over time, you must inform your doctor about them as soon as possible. 

In most cases, Botox shots take 5 to 7 days to settle in and provide the best results. Cases of any postprocedural complications are rare as well. However, to minimize the chances of any complications or unintended results, your dermatologist may instruct you to follow some precautions and guidelines, such as:

• Avoid rubbing or touching the injection sites for the first 24 hours after your Botox shots. Rubbing the injections sites can cause the toxin to spread to other muscles and cause unintended results.
• Refrain from performing any strenuous activities or exercises. These include weight lifting, running, or bicycle riding. 
• Apply ice pack over the injection sites to reduce some swelling or bruising that may be present.
• Avoid facials or saunas for at least 24 hours after your Botox procedure.
• Don’t lie down for at least four hours after the injection as this can spread the solution to other areas. 
• Avoid drinking alcohol as it acts as a blood thinner and can increase the risk of bruising after the procedure.  

Benefits of Botox

Some benefits that are most commonly associated with Botox injection treatment are given below:

• Enhances Natural Beauty: Botox is one of the commonly performed procedures when it comes to enhancing your natural beauty. Botox is most often performed to reduce appearance of wrinkles and treat forehead lines, frown lines, and glabeller lines. And as these are some of the areas that people notice first, Botox is an easy way to improve your overall appearance while also maintaining a natural look.
• Completely Non-invasive and Fast Procedure: Botox is a completely non-invasive procedure that uses extremely thin needles to administer the toxin into predetermined injection sites. The entire procedure does not involve any cuts or incisions and, as a result, there is almost no recovery or downtime required. Botox is also a fairly quick procedure as well. In most cases, Botox injection treatment does not take more than a few minutes to complete. It is also an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be able to go home on the same day of the procedure. 
• Quick Results: Generally, results after botulinum toxin procedure take anywhere from 3-4 days to appear. However, you will likely be able to see small changes in your skin almost immediately after the procedure. During this time frame, you will notice your muscles relax and the wrinkles slowly fade away. 
• Relatively Affordable: Compared to other cosmetic dermatological procedures, such as dermal fillers or vampire facials, Botox is a relatively affordable procedure. On average, Botox injection price in India can start from Rs. 7000 and go as high as Rs. 21,000. It is to be kept in mind, however, that depending on a multitude of factors, the exact procedure cost will likely vary.
• Long-lasting Results: Another major benefit that makes Botox a great cosmetic option for patients is its long-lasting results. Generally, results after Botox treatment can last from 3 to 4 months. However, there have also been patients who report seeing results for as long as 5 to 6 months. And even after this period, you can always opt for a repeat procedure to maintain your results.
• Customizable Treatment Options: Botox is a very flexible cosmetic procedure that can be changed and customized according to your desired results. Before your treatment, the dermatologist will likely ask you questions regarding your expectations and what treatment areas you want to focus on. Your doctor will then be able to make a plan according to your specific needs. This helps ensure better results and cosmetic results.

Is Botox Safe?

When injected in small doses by a qualified and experienced dermatologist, It is a completely safe cosmetic procedure with minimal Botox Injection side effects. A study conducted by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the safety of Botox concluded that out of 1031 patients who had Botox treatment, 96.6% were successful with only a few minor side effects. Hence, it is safe to say that cases of any major complications after Botox treatment are very rare. However, there are still some potential Botox Injection side effects that you should keep an eye out for, such as:

• Pain or discomfort
• Minor swelling or bruising around the injection site
• Muscle weakness or stiffness
• Headache
• Redness around injection sites

These Botox Injection side effects are not considered serious or indicative of any complications. In fact, in most cases, they do not require any medical attention and should subside on their own in a few hours after the procedure. However, if any of the above-given symptoms continue to persist or worsen over time, you must consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Risks and Complications Associated with Botox Treatment

As previously mentioned, Botox is a safe procedure with rare cases of any postoperative complications. However, as is the case with any other type of procedure, they can still happen and should not be taken lightly. Some risks and complications that are associated with Botox treatment are given below:

• Droopy eyelids
• Crooked eyebrows
• Water or dry eyes
• Infection at the injection points
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Allergic reaction
• Loss of bladder control

Before your Botox treatment, your dermatologist will likely discuss these potential complications with you and how to deal with them. If you are noticing any odd signs after your Botox treatment or struggling with any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you must consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

What is the Average Botox injection price in India?

On average, Botox injection price in India can start from Rs. 7,000 and go as high as Rs. 21,000. However, depending on a multitude of factors, such as cost of consultation, the units of botox required, the city you are in, your cosmetic concern, pre-procedural diagnostics, and expertise of your preferred dermatologist, the exact cost for Botox injection will likely vary. 

Some of the most commonly performed Botox treatment procedures and their respective costs per unit are given below: