What is Botox?
- Botox is a natural purified protein which is derived from bacteria. When small quantities of botox are injected into target muscles, it temporarily relaxes the muscles which are responsible for producing wrinkles on the face
How does the treatment work?
- Botox acts on chemical mediators at the junction between the muscle and the nerve and prevents the muscle from contracting.
Why do people want botox treatment?
As we all age, the skin gets thinner and loses volume over time as the collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin gradually diminish. When the underlying musculature contracts harder in some individuals, this is manifested as wrinking over the face while performing certain facial expressions like frowning, laughing or smiling. These lines are called dynamic lines. For example while some people laugh, they can have wrinkles over the side of their eyes or their nose. Over a period of time these lines are seen not only while performing the facial expressions, they are also seen at rest. Botox helps to relax the muscles which are overacting and helps to prevent the dynamic lines. Few examples where botox is commonly used are
- a. Horizontal Forehead Lines
- b. Frown lines between the eyebrows which makes people look that they are always angry
- c. Crows feet :- Lines around the sides of the eyes which makes people look very old
- d. Bunny Lines :- Lines over the nose
- e. Gummy smile :- When people smile they may show their gums a lot which doesn’t make the smile look good
- f. Marionette Lines :- Lines below the corners of the mouth which makes people look very sad
What happens during botox treatment ?
- Botox injections are done in the clinic. Very fine needles are used to used to inject Botox in specified target muscles over the face.
Does botox treatment take effect immediately?
- No. For Botox to take effect it takes approximately 3 days and is best seen after 1 week.
How long will the botox treatment last?
- Since the Botox is a purified protein it acts only for a short time of approximately 4 to 6 months. After that if the patient wishes, another botox injection can be got.
What are the side effects of botox treatment ?
- There can be bruising and swelling over the face while injecting Botox as the face is a very vascular area. If the botox diffuses into a muscle nearby that was not planned to be paralysed, the effects of relaxation of that muscle can be seen.
Facts at a glance
Procedure time 20 - 30 minutes Hospital stay Out patient Anaesthetic assessment No Pre admission tests No Reasonably mobile Immediate Washing Immediate Driving Immediate Sport & exercise including gym Avoid for 24 hours Full recovery Immediate Time off work None Long-term issues Takes 7-10 days to see results and these will last between 4-6 months