Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox injections are safe and minimally invasive. It works by causing reversible paralysis of muscles, resulting in reduced facial wrinkles/lines.
In the field of dermatology or aesthetics, Botox is generally injected into the muscles of facial expression. Everyday movement or contractions of this muscles leads to wrinkle formation. Most of these muscles are attached to soft tissues rather than bones, and by contracting, they pull across the skin to give facial expressions. Botox is used for reducing glabellar frown lines, crow’s feet at the side of the eyes, horizontal forehead creases, wrinkles around the mouth, nasolabial folds, bunny lines or lines around the nose.
- It can also be used to smooth out neck and chest/cleavage wrinkles.
- It also can be used to elevate the eyebrows
Some dermatological problems such as hyperhidrosis, lichen simplex, pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema) and acne vulgaris can also be treated with Botox.
Dermatologist can also help conditions like migraines and the grinding of teeth with Botox. Botox injections are approved for patients 18 years and older.
As prevention is better than cure, it’s advisable to start Botox as soon as you notice fine lines beginning which in most people it’s between the late 20s and early 30s.
Genetics, together with environmental factors contribute to wrinkle formation-looking at your relatives might help you decide as to whether the fine lines you see might progress to deep wrinkles or not and necessitating to treat early rather than later. If you already have wrinkles on the face, even when you not moving your face (static wrinkles)
What to expect on the day of the Botox?
You will get information before treatment day on what you should avoid before treatment. If you have a fever blister a few days before treatment day, notify the doctor so they can start you on treatment, otherwise treatments will not be done. If your pain threshold is low numbing cream, be done prior to the injections buts that’s often not necessary as injection site pain is minimal. There might be a little bit of swelling and bruising post injection. Some people experience headaches which usually resolve after a few days.
When does it start working?
- Effects are usually seen by day 4.
- The effects usually last for about 4 months.
- For Botox effects to last longer, treatments must be done every 4 months for a year to two then it can be done every six months.