What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin, commonly known as 'Botox', is a neurotoxic protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria and related species. There are eight types of Botulinum toxin, from type ‘A’ through type ‘H’, but only type A, and type B are used commercially in medicine and cosmetics.
The FDA approved the use of Botulinum toxin for medical use in 1989 and the commercial form of Botulinum bacteria type A was marketed as Botox. Medically it was used to treat excessive sweating, repetitive neck spasm, lazy eye, overactive bladder, and sometimes to prevent chronic migraine.
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The FDA approved the cosmetic use of Botox in 2002. Botox is a purified form of Botulinum toxin-A, and it does not cause any fatal illness in human beings. Botox is a chemical prescription that temporarily paralyzes your muscle activity by releasing neurotransmitters from the nerve into your muscle. It relaxes your facial muscles and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It has the ability to reduce frown lines, crow’s feet, as well as forehead furrows.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX?
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​You are above 18 years of age
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You do not have any skin infection in the area being treated
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You have not received any recent cosmetic procedure in or near the area being treated
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You do not have asthma or any breathing problems
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You do not take blood thinners or have a bleeding problem
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You are not pregnant, want to be pregnant or are breastfeeding
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You do not have any disease that affects your muscles or nerves
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You are not allergic to any ingredients present in Botox cosmetics
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You are not allergic to any other brand of botulinum toxin.
If you are an ideal candidate, a treatment plan is created which will include the amount of Botox you will receive and the injection site will be determined.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR BOTOX LIKE?
During the procedure, a mild cleanser or a disinfectant is applied to the area. A microneedle is used to inject Botox into the targeted area, directly into your facial muscles. The pain is usually minimal as the needle used is small and narrow.
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After the treatment, you will be asked not to:
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Lie down for a few hours
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Rub the area that was treated
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Use blood thinners for a couple of days
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Exercise or perform strenuous activities for at least 24 hours
Bruising, swelling, pain, tenderness, numbness, and redness in the area that was treated, are common side effects of Botox injections. It can also be common to experience a headache, and very rarely one may experience drooping eyelids.
These side effects reduce gradually and disappear within a few days. These side effects are very common and do not cause any severe damage.
