HEALTHNET

What is Botox Injection?

Botox blocks the chemical signals that tell muscles to contract. As the muscles cannot tighten, the skin flattens and appears smoother and less wrinkled.

(Posted on 18 October 2007)

Q1. What is Botox, and how is the treatment performed?

A1. Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin which is a toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It is the most potent known toxin. If the toxin is ingested in cases of food poisoning, it can block nerve function and lead to respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis When small doses of Botox are injected into specific muscles, it blocks the chemical signals that tell these muscles to contract. As the muscles cannot tighten, the skin flattens and appears smoother and less wrinkled.

Botox injection treatment

Botox injection is usually done in a doctor's office. A doctor uses a thin needle to inject tiny amounts of Botox into specific muscles. The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Doctors would carefully access thus to choose which muscles to treat, only the wrinkle-producing muscles are weakened, so as to preserve your natural facial expressions.
The number of injections needed depends on many factors, including your facial features, the extent of the wrinkling and the specific area being treated.
You may experience mild pain with the injections, but most people find the discomfort tolerable. The procedure requires no anesthesia. Some doctors may apply local anesthetic creams.

Botox injections only offer a temporary solution for the treatment of wrinkles. Its effect lasts three to six months. You would need repeated injections, about two to three times a year. The duration of effect varies with individual patient. Early clinical studies indicate that the duration of treatment benefits is increased over time so that you may require less frequent injections in future.

Q2. As far as I know, Botulinum toxin would be injected into the skin during the treatment. Is there any danger?

A2. Botox injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced doctor. Botox injections would not cause "botulism"-a serious neurological paralysis associated with food poisoning caused by ingested toxin produced by the germ. The amount injected is minute, and the preparation used is highly purified with dosage accurately standardized.

The most common side effects include localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, redness, bleeding or bruising in the injection site. Other side effects and complications that can occur include headache, flu-like symptoms and nausea.

In some cases, the toxin might diffuse to nearby muscles to cause temporary weakness. Drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression might occur. The risk of side effects depends on which muscle is being injected. Since the actions of Botox on the muscles are reversible, any side effect is temporary, lasting only a few weeks. Your doctor will discuss this in detail with you before your treatment.

Caution

Botox must only be used under a doctor's care. It can be very dangerous if administered incorrectly. Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders may be at increased risk of serious side effects. Make sure the doctor has experience with Botox treatments.

Q3. Which part of the body is suitable to receive the Botox treatment?

A3. Botox works best in "Dynamic wrinkles"

In general, Botox works best for dynamic facial wrinkling in the upper half of the face. Dynamic wrinkles are associated with the muscles we use for facial expression. They become deeper and more noticeable as we grow older. It is particularly effective for furrows between the brows, sometimes referred to as "frown-lines". Botox also works very effectively in horizontal wrinkles in the forehead and above the eyebrows. It is also quite effective for what is commonly referred to as "crow's feet", which occurs at the outer corners of the eyelids.

Botox will not reverse all wrinkles

Wrinkling caused by sun damage and ageing skin associated with loss of collagen would not benefit from Botox injections. The effects of Botox on wrinkles around the mouth and in the lower face are also less predictable.

Don't expect immediate rejuvenation

The onset of action of Botox is 2 to 3 days after injection, so do not expect immediate effect the moment you go home. The peak effect of Botox typically occurs 2 to 3 weeks after injections and would last for 3 to 4 months.

Besides wrinkle treatment, Botox is also used for treating headache, backache, eye muscle problems, muscle spasm and excessive sweating.

Source: Quality HealthCare