What is it? | Consultation | Preparation | Procedure | Recovery | Safety & Risks

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is the brand name for a therapeutic agent that relaxes the muscle, derived from the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum. For over a decade, ophthalmologists have applied BOTOX for its original intention, the treatment of blepharospasm (adjustment of the facial muscles controlled by the brain).

The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin type A, often referred to by its trade name BOTOX is a product approved by the FDA, the European Community and INVIMA. The agent relaxes the muscle and temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. In recent years, doctors have used Botox as a cosmetic treatment to correct visible signs of expression and aging. BOTOX can also be used for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating of the armpits, palms and soles of the feet.

How does BOTOX work?

The contractions and movements of the facial muscles are controlled by brain signals. BOTOX is injected in minute amounts in the contracted muscles that cause wrinkles. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles, and this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines, while giving the skin a smoother and rejuvenated look. The skin reaction to these movements is what commonly causes muscle wrinkles.

Who might want to use BOTOX?

If you are having wrinkles or expression lines on the face, forehead, around your eyes, BOTOX helps to gradually fade these symptoms, giving  you a more youthful appearance. BOTOX significantly repairs deep lines and wrinkles (visible signs of aging and expression) produced by laughing, talking, frowning, smoking and anxiety. Studies also suggest that BOTOX is effective in relieving migraine headaches, spasms, excessive sweating.

Who should not use BOTOX?

If you taking antibiotics regularly, this procedure may not be for you because you are at greater risk for an adverse reaction to the product. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing are advised to postpone this type of procedure. BOTOX can not improve wrinkles of the skin caused by photodamage. BOTOX should not be used in the presence of infection at the sites where you inject it and in individuals with hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

Who should apply BOTOX?

Any physician who specializes in this procedure, approved by the Regional Health Office, can administer BOTOX. Do NEVER apply it yourself.

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Consultation

The success and safety of your BOTOX treatment depends very much on your complete candidness. First, the doctor will perform a complete medical history to establish that you are  a good candidate for treatment with BOTOX. Subsequently, the physician will determine which areas of your face may benefit from BOTOX. Your doctor will also evaluate:1. Your motives, your expectations and desired outcome of the treatment.
2. Your medical condition, drug allergies and previous medical procedures.
3. If and what kind of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol,
tobacco & drugs you use.
4. If and which previous treatments you have already realized.
5. Your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors.
6. Examine and measure your face
7. Take photographs for your medical record.
8. Discuss likely outcomes of this BOTOX treatment and any risks or potential complications.

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Preparation for Procedure

No specific preparation is required from your side.
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Procedure

Your doctor will inject BOTOX subcutanously in affected muscles (face or neck), using a standard syringe. No anesthesia is required.The treatment takes between 15 to 30 minutes.
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Recovery from the Procedure

Immediately after the procedure you must remain upright for three to four hours and not touch the injection sites in order to prevent that BOTOX moves to other muscles in your face. You may continue all normal activities except realization of exercise, which may be resumed the next day.

Typically, the effect of BOTOX is visible within 3-5 days. The maximum benefits are achieved within 7 to 20 days. Once the muscle becomes inactive and relaxes the skin, you will look younger. The degree of improvement varies from person to person, but the results last for three to six months. With subsequent treatments, the results tend to be more durable. The treatment need to be repeated to maintain the result. It is recommended to repeat the treatment when the wrinkles in the area begins to return. Expression lines appear gradually as they were before treatment.

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Safety & Risks

BOTOX treatment is effective, safe and takes about 15-30 minutes.

The discomfort associated with BOTOX injections is negligible, making it unnecessary to anesthetize the area to be treated. The discomfort can be compared to a puncture. Using a micro-needle, the doctor will inject a minimal amount of BOTOX accurately in various locations in the face. This treatment requires no sedation or local anesthetic, and you can resume most activities immediately. You can even drive back to the office or other activities.

What are  side effects of BOTOX?
Side effects of BOTOX, if any, are usually mild and temporary. Some people may experience a small bruise or purple, in the injection site covered easily with makeup. The hematoma appears to be more common in people taking aspirin. In rare cases, Botox can spread beyond the desired area. If the injection of BOTOX in the eyebrow area spreads to the eyelid, there may be temporary loss of upper eyelid, which is treatable with eye drops until it resolves within a few weeks, it lasts an average of four weeks.
Toxin Spread

Botulinum toxin type A is a poison, so if it spreads beyond the muscle that is intended, it can cause symptoms that are typical of botulism. These side effects may include slurring your speech, difficulty breathing, swallowing difficulties and weakness in your other muscles.

Anxiety

When you first receive your Botox injection, the drug can have the temporary effect of making you anxious. You may feel worried about things you normally wouldn’t be concerned with, and you may not have any reason to feel this way. This is a common side effect and should pass in a few days.

Blurry Vision

Botox also may cause some problems with your vision. Because it is essentially relaxing the muscles in your face, Botox can make it difficult to focus your vision on near or far objects, or both. Drugs.com reports this as a temporary side effect. Your eyes also may become irritated and dry because of the drug.

Cold Symptom Side Effects

Taking the Botox injection can also temporarily induce side effects that are similar to the symptoms of influenza or a common cold. For example, you may be congested or have a runny nose. You may get a fever and chills or a cough.

Report any of these side effects to your doctor if they continue beyond a few days!

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