You may have heard about aesthetic applications of Botox from
your dermatologist, beautician or friends, or read about it on internet, in
advertisements, blogs and celebrity gossip magazines. But Botox or botulinum
toxin Type A probably has much more uses (both cosmetic and non-cosmetic) than
most of us realize.
The most common use of this toxin is to enhance the cosmetic
appearance of face and neck area by removing wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s
feet. Wrinkles on your face and around your neck usually result from aging
process, but several other factors including polluted environment,
stress/tension, smoking, dehydration and excessive exposure to UV sun rays can
also cause wrinkling at an early age. However, the good news is that you can
get rid of wrinkles, creases and expression lines with Botox Injectionfor face. But the problem is that there are a lot of misconceptions about
Botox treatment and how it is used.
What is a Botox Injection?
Botox is a drug made from botulinum toxin Type A, produced by
the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's the same toxin that causes a
life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. In 2002 the Food and
Drug Association (FDA) approved this toxin to be used for cosmetic purposes,
primarily to eliminate wrinkle and fine lines on face and neck. The toxin was
welcomed by dermatologists and cosmetic plastic surgeons as a magic drug that
can turn the clock back. In September 2013, FDA approved Botox for treatment of
crow’s feet and frown lines between eyes. Additionally, it is also FDA-approved
for treatment of various non-cosmetic conditions including chronic migraines
and excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.
How does Botox work?
Botox treatment for face is the safest and quickest way to give
you a younger look. An approved quantity of toxin is administered directly into
the facial muscle using a fine needle. The toxin temporarily paralyzes the
muscle reducing the muscle activity causing wrinkles or frown lines, and the
result is a wrinkle-less smooth skin. The entire process takes 10 minutes and
the effects last for 3 to 4 weeks. The best thing about Botox injections is
that there is no downtime associated with them. Maximum effects of the
treatment usually occur at about 10 to 15 days.
Are there any side effects of Botox?
Most common side effects of Botox include pain at the injection
site, infection inflammation, redness and bruising. Some other allergy symptoms
associated with these anti-wrinkle injections are itching, rash, red welts,
wheezing and asthma. Call your doctor or take medical help right away if you
have any breathing issues or a faint or dizzy feeling any time (hours or weeks)
after getting Botox Injection for face. These side effects can be
avoided by selecting a certified dermatologist or cosmetic plastic surgeon with
over 5 years’ experience of injecting Botox.
Tips to avoid Botox side effects:
- Make sure your
provider is a certified cosmetic surgeon.
- Discuss your
health problems (hypertension, diabetes, asthma, migraine etc.) with your
practitioner before having the injections.
- Tell your
practitioner about medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements that you are
taking or have been taking for the last one month.
- Follow your
practitioner's pre- and post-injection instructions very carefully.
- Report all side
effects to your Botox provider as soon as you notice them.
