Botox
Dynamic facial lines and wrinkles on the face are caused by contractions of the underlying muscles every time we smile, laugh or frown. Botox is ideal for treatment of dynamic wrinkles, or those that appear or become significantly more apparent with facial expression. Any person who wants to minimize the appearance of aging skin around the eyes and forehead with no real down time is a great candidate for Botox injections which is why it has become the most popular cosmetic procedure performed worldwide.
How does Botox works?
Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) is a purified protein that relaxes muscles into which it is injected by reversibly blocking the impulses from the nerves to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. By doing this, the muscles relax and are not able to contract. This relaxation may be partial or complete, depending on the amount of Botox used and on the relative strength of the muscle into which it is injected. The relaxation produced by Botox is temporary as the treated muscle will gradually recover over 3-6 months period. Typically, it takes 4-5 days for the Botox to start to take effect, but it may take up to 2 weeks for its full effect. Follow up treatments are necessary to maintain the desired result. Repeat treatments may lead to improved results as the muscle causing the wrinkles becomes less responsive over time.
What areas can be treated?
The most common areas requested are the forehead lines, vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet.BOTOX may also be helpful in treating migraine headaches, and can be used to decrease excess sweating of the palms and underarms.
How is it done?
BOTOX is injected directly into the muscle causing the dynamic wrinkles. A very small needle is used to minimize discomfort. The injection feels like a small prick with a little stinging. Most patients experience very minimal discomfort, the entire procedure takes about 10 minutes.Since the procedure is non-surgical, no recovery time is needed, and patients can return to work or other activities immediately.
What is the recovery like?
In general, no recovery time is needed. You can resume normal activities immediately. Botox treatments may be administered during a lunch break. You will be instructed not to rub the treated area for a couple of hours after the treatment. It is also a good idea to try to 'exercise' the treated muscles for the first few hours following the treatment, as this will increase the effectiveness of the Botox treatment. Also it is very important not to lay down or bend over for 3-4 hours after the treatment to prevent the migration of the Botox.
What are the contraindications?
Do not take BOTOX if you:
- Are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX or had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such as Dysport
- Have a skin infection at the planned injection site
- Have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease], myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome).
- Had any side effect from any botulinum toxin product in the past
- Have a breathing problem, such as asthma or emphysema
- Have swallowing problems
- Have bleeding problems
- Have plans to have surgery
- Had surgery on your face
- Have weakness of your forehead muscles, such as trouble raising your eyebrows
- Have drooping eyelids
- Have any other change in the way your face normally looks
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- Are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed.
- Are younger than 18 years old
- Are taking any kind of blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Plavix, Warfarin, or herbal supplements or some Vitamins such as Vitamin E
After Botox Treatment Instructions:
- Avoid lying down or massaging the treated area for 4 hours after treatment.
- Do not exercise for 24 hours.
- Exercise the treated muscles for a few hours after the treatment.
- If you get a headache (as some people do for few hours after the treatment) you may take Tylenol unless otherwise advised by your physician..
- You may take Arnica tablets if there is any bruising in the site of injections, or if you are prone to bruising.
- You will notice the effect of the Botox within a few days
Possible side-effects of Botox
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Temporary eyelid droop
- Nausea
- Squint/double vision
- Twitching of the eye
- Facial pain
- Redness at the injection site
- Muscle weakness
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