Undergoing Botox treatment is serious. Although it may not be major surgery, it does incur unnecessary side effects. When taken in an uncontrollable amount, the results can be disastrous.
Read this blog to know more about Botox treatment and how to use it for cosmetic purposes.
Table of Contents
What is Botox?
Botox is the name of a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. In cosmetic terms, it is actually a muscle relaxer that smoothens out wrinkles. The neurotoxin works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles which help to clear the facial muscles. When taken in large amounts, it can prove to be fatal.
Although it may sound that using Botox in excessive amounts can cause paralysis, scientists have figured out a way to use it for medical benefits.
There are several studies that can confirm that Botox is a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles and deep crease treatment.
Commonly referred to as Botox it can include all of the following formulations:
- BOTOX®: OnabotulinumtoxinA
- Dysport®: AbobotulinumtoxinA
- Xeomin®: IncobotulinumtoxinA
Areas That Can Be Treated with Botox
Although Botox treatment has also been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for other medical conditions, it is mainly used for removing wrinkles and deep creases on the face. The USFDA has approved to use Botox for enhancement of facial contour in the following areas-
- Place between the two eyebrows that helps to cure moderate to severe creases
- Around the eyes that are also known as crow’s feet lines
- Furrows of the forehead
- Creases in the neck
- Around the chin
- Smoothen out lines in the nose
- Around the mouth- smoker’s lines and downturned corners of the mouth
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works in an interesting way. Once the doctor injects the Botox into the skin, it blocks the signals from the brain to the intended muscle temporarily. Hence, there is no contraction of the muscles around the injected site willingly. The intended muscles relax that smoothens out the wrinkles. Hence, there is an overall enhancement of the facial muscles by removing the wrinkles around the eyes and between the eyebrows.
Botox is a minimally invasive procedure which means there are neither any cuts nor any incisions in the entire procedure. The whole procedure takes only 10 minutes to complete.
The doctors simply administer local anesthesia to the targeted area to numb it. The administration of anesthesia depends on the individual’s choice. Followed by this, they use a thin needle to inject 3-5 injections of botulinum toxin type A. However, the number of injections can vary depending on the type of lines and place of injecting.
Benefits of Botox
In 1989, Botox was approved by the FDA for treating blepharospasm and other eye muscle-related problems. After three years, the body approved to use Botox for cosmetic reasons to lighten severe frown lines, especially between the eyebrows. It was only in the year 2013, that the FDA again gave its green signal to use Botox injections for treating wrinkles around the corners of the eyes. Apart for enhancement of face contour, the following are the advantages of Botox-
- Cure excessive sweating– Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the body sweat profusely. Also, the person suffering from this condition can sweat anywhere anytime. The Botox injection stops the signals from the brain to the sweat glands in the skin to reduce sweat production.
- Treat overactive bladder- People who have frequent urge to urinate due to an overactive bladder can also benefit with a Botox treatment. In addition to this, people should try some exercise.
- Cure chronic migraine- In 2010, the USFDA gave its nod to use Botox treatment for curing chronic migraines. However, remember this is not a permanent solution for people suffering from migraines. They get relief from symptoms such as nausea, extreme headache and sensitivity to light.
- Treat Bell’s Palsy- Botox can also help alleviate symptoms of Bell’s Palsy in two ways: i) injecting Botox in the paralyzed area of the face ii) injecting Botox in non-paralyzed area of the face.
Side Effects of Botox
This is established by now that Botox is toxic in nature. However, when used in large amounts it can incur some adverse effects. Although the body can adapt to the effects of botulinum toxin, there can be some mild side effects that can also develop-
- Redness
- Bruising
- Pain near the injection site
- Dizziness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Headache
- Double vision
- Irritation in the eyes
- Droopy eyelids
- Fever
- Cold or flu
- Neck or back pain
- Anxiety
Pictures of Botox Before and After
Precautions of Botox
Prior to the surgery, you should let the doctor know about the several precautionary measures you need to ensure there are minimum risks of any side effects and that there are no fatal reactions.
Let your doctor know about the following-
- Infection in an area where Botox will be injected
- Suffering from a urinary tract infection currently
- Previously used other botulinum toxin injections
- Suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Have breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema
- Have weak muscles around the eyelids, forehead or unable to raise the eyebrows
- Undergone a facial surgery in the past
- Suffering from Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Suffering from myasthenia gravis
Moreover, there are some drugs that can interact with Botox. Inform the doctor if you are taking any one of the following medicines-
- Sleeping pills
- Blood thinners such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven
- Medicines for cold or allergy
- Injectable antibiotics
- Muscle relaxers
- Vitamin supplements and herbal products
Conclusion
Botox is widely used for the cosmetic benefits it offers. Due to its toxic properties, it can prove to be fatal when taking in large amounts. So, it is recommended to undergo Botox treatment only from doctors who possess enough experience and the required skills to administer the Botox injections correctly.
Fortunately, Pristyn Care doctors are highly qualified as highly skilled to provide Botox treatment at the world-class clinics. Not only Botox injections, but they are equally qualified to provide facelift surgeries to tighten the muscles and remove creases from the skin. Consult with the Pristyn Care doctors today to know more. Book an appointment without any further delay.
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