Wrinkles and expression lines like worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, and crow’s feet are all part and parcel of growing up. Some people take it in their stride and in some cases they want a cosmetic correction to do away with these lines.
Botox is a known, minimally invasive, and medically safe cosmetic solution to treat facial wrinkles and unwanted lines.
Botox not only helps in reducing skin wrinkles but also helps in treating some medical conditions like eyelid spasms, excessive sweating, some bladder disorders, and migraine.
How does Botox work?
Botox contains a protein made from Botulinum toxin which is a purified bacteria that weakens or paralyzes the muscles. Don’t worry, it is perfectly safe in small doses. Botox consists of 7 types of neurotoxins. However, only toxins A and B are used clinically.
When Botox is injected, it blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter resulting in paralysis of the local muscles.
How does Botox work?
- Glabellar frown lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows)
- Crow’s feet (wrinkles at the side of the eyes)
- Horizontal forehead creases
- Wrinkles around the mouth
- Nasolabial folds
- Smoothing out neck and chest/cleavage wrinkles
- Elevate the eyebrows
- Hyperhidrosis
- Migraine
Dosage and results
TThe standard dose for Botox usage is 20 Units. However, men require comparatively higher doses of Botox as they have a greater muscle mass than women.
The effect is visible usually takes 24 hours to two weeks after the injection.
Botox effect lasts for 3-6 months. For longer effect duration repeat treatments are done for 1 year or more.
Side effects
Most side effects are minor and occur either immediately or within a few hours of injection. These effects get resolved without any complications in a few days. Common side effects are,
- Minor bleeding
- Swelling
- Erythema (redness)
- Pain or soreness at the injection site.
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches - usually resolve after 2–4 weeks
Ptosis or drooping of the eyes is a potentially distressing complication and is dependent on the skill of the service provider.
Contraindications
Even though Botox is perfectly safe, there are certain conditions when it is advised not to undergo the procedure. Such as,
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Keloidal scarring,
- Neuromuscular disorders like myasthenia gravis
- Botulinum toxin allergies
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Patients with focal and systemic infections
- Patients who had previously undergone lower eyelid surgery
Conclusion
Botox should be injected in the correct dosage with minimal concentrations. It is wise to get it done by an experienced Dermatologist in a safe and hygienic environment. Book your appointment at Alovia clinic and our experts will guide you in making the right choice of Botox treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about Botox, please click here and send a query to Alovia Clinic, or reach out to our expert Dr. Naren Parkash