Botox
Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. It can be used in small doses to treat the following:
* Temporary reduction of facial expression wrinkles
* Hyperhidrosis – underarm sweating
* Severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms due to a neurological disorder
* Blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking
* Strabismus – misaligned eyes
* Chronic migraines
* Overactive bladder
* Provide relief from cerebral palsy symptoms
Botox injections, otherwise known as “neurotoxins”, work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles from contracting or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating – average for facial wrinkle treatments, 4-6 months. The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
Neurotoxins are most often used on forehead lines, crows feet (lines around the eye when you smile), and frown lines in between eyebrows. Other areas are on the chin to prevent dimpling, under eyes to relax crinkling, jaws to slim jawline and upper lip to make it appear fuller.
Risks
They are generally safe when you’re under the care of a licensed and skilled health care provider. The procedure can result in unwanted results or even cause harm if it’s given incorrectly. Possible side effects and unwanted results include:
* Mild pain or swelling around the injection site
* Bruising. This is the most common side effect and will go away.
* Headaches -Typically, these are rare and end in 24 to 48 hours.
* Flu-like symptoms or a general unwell feeling
* Numbness
* Weakness in nearby muscle
* Crooked smile or drooling
* Eye dryness or severe tearing
* Eyelid drooping. This happens with only a small percentage of people and usually goes away within 3 weeks. It usually happens when the Botox moves around, so don’t rub the treated area.
Health care providers don’t recommend Botox if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Neurotoxins, in terms of treating facial wrinkles, the amount of injections and the dosage (units) needed, depends on the strength of the muscles and the size of the treatment area.
Botulinum toxin is available in two forms:
* Type A. Type A is mainly used for treating facial wrinkles. Type A products include onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport), incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin)
* Type B. Type B is often the first choice for treating neck spasms. It’s sold as rimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc).
Results
Neurotoxins usually begin working within 1 to 3 days after treatment but generally twkes up to 14 days to take full effect. It’s best to avoid alcohol starting at least 1 week before the procedure. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications 1-2 weeks before treatment to help prevent bruising.
Results can last anywhere from 3-6 months. As muscle contraction slowly returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are shrinking To maintain the effect. You’ll need regular follow-up injections spaced 3-6 months apart.