Botox - Procedure, Risk and Treatment

Dr. Sunita Singh Rathore

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable drug, which is used in cosmetic treatments to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face. It is a type of protein made from Botulinum toxin, a substance produced by the bacterium - Clostridium botulinum, which is usually found in nature like - forests, lakes, soil, and in mammals and fish intestines. Temporary paralysis is caused in the muscle in which the drug is injected. The muscle is unable to contract as all the nerve signals to it get blocked.

What are the uses of Botox?

Botox is a poison, but when used properly and in small doses by doctors, it is very beneficial. Earlier, Botox was only used for medical treatment of problems like- blepharospasm and other eye muscle issues. However, later it was approved to be used for cosmetic treatments and other problems as stated below.

Cosmetic Treatment -

Frown lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows)
Crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eyes)
Forehead furrows (horizontal creases on the forehead)
Lines at the corners of the mouth
Gummy smile correction
Cobblestone skin on the chin
Thick neck bands
Lip lines
Thick jaw muscles

Medical Treatment-

Hyperhidrosis (severe underarm sweating)
Overactive Bladder
Lower limb spasticity
Chronic migraine
Cervical dystonia (neurological disorder causing neck and shoulder muscle spasm)
Blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking of eyes)
Strabismus (eyes pointing in different directions)

How does Botox Cosmetic Treatment work?

In today’s world, Botox has become one of the most common types of Cosmetic Treatment. But why? No one wants to grow old, however, even if you can’t stop aging, you can still look young by your face and Botox is the most appropriate and simple solution for it. Botox Cosmetic Treatment is a non-surgical minimal invasive treatment that helps in the rejuvenation of your face by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, thus making you look younger than you are. The muscles in which Botox is injected do not contract, as all the signals from the nerves to that muscle get blocked. Which results in relaxing and softening of wrinkles and lines on the face. It is done by the best plastic surgeon in Delhi to ensure you get the desired results to your complete satisfaction. It is considered a safe and effective treatment to treat wrinkles around the eyes, forehead lines, and frown lines. It is also used to modify other facial features like a defined jawline, lifting the corners of the mouth, smile correction, and many more. The end result is that your face appears to be younger.

What is the procedure of Botox Cosmetic Treatment?

Since Botox is a non surgical treatment, it hardly requires any preparation. And since it is a minimal invasive procedure without any incisions, it only takes a few minutes and you don’t really need anesthesia. But before the procedure, make sure that your doctor knows about your medical history or allergies. And to help prevent bruising, you should not take any anti-inflammatory medication 2 weeks before botox treatment. After removing all your makeup and cleaning the treatment area, your neuromuscular tissue will be injected with Botulinum diluted with saline. For a furrowed brow, you will be injected in a targeted area between the eyebrows. For crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eyes) you will need at least 3 injections on the side of each eye. The entire procedure takes around 10 minutes to get completed.

Post Procedure and Results

After getting Botox done, you should not apply pressure, rub or massage the injection site for at least 24 hours, otherwise, there is a risk of spreading the Botox to other surrounding areas. You will also be asked to sit upright for 4 hours by the doctor and to lay off exercising for a day. You can start seeing the results after 24-72 hours. It may take up to 1 to 2 weeks to show full effect.

How long does a Botox treatment last?

This treatment may last for 3 to 12 months depending on the type and area of treatment. Wrinkles and lines start coming back as the muscle action starts coming back gradually and will require treatment again. However, these lines and wrinkles will show less insight as the facial muscles are being trained to relax by shrinking.

What are the Risks and Side-effects of getting a Botox treatment?

Usually, there are hardly any side effects of getting Botox. There might be a little bruising or discomfort, but it goes away in some time. Side-effects include -

Bruising around the injection site
Eyelids drooping
Swelling in the eyes area
Headache
Weakness
Numbness
Dry eyes
Double vision
Upset stomach
Allergic reaction, like- rash, or itching

If these effects don’t subside, you should immediately call your doctor.

Who should avoid getting Botox done?

Generally, people who are above the age of 18 and have good health can get Botox done. But some people should not go through this treatment if they are

Breastfeeding
Pregnant
Have a neurosurgical disease
Allergic to any of the ingredients used in Botox

FAQ’s

Q-1. What is the cost of Botox Surgical Treatment? Ans. For a full-face botox procedure that covers fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet, and forehead, a single session cost can vary between Rs. 15000 – Rs. 18000. Q-2. Is Botox painful? Ans. Botox is not a painful procedure. Some people might feel some pain and discomfort due to the injection, but it goes away after a short period of time. Q-3. Is Botox safe? Ans. Yes, Botox is safe, unless the person is breastfeeding, pregnant, has a neurosurgical disease, or is allergic to any of the ingredients used in Botox. Q-4. Can you stop Botox once you have started getting it? Ans. Yes, you can stop Botox if you want. It will cause no harm to your face. Just your muscles will not be as relaxed as they were before you first got Botox done. Q-5. Does Botox make you look older after it wears off? Ans. No, once your Botox wears off, you will not look older. In fact, the opposite happens. Botox will help you get rid of facial wrinkles and lines.

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