A
toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum.
This toxin causes paralysis of the muscles exposed to
its action. In cosmetic use, the muscles responsible
for wrinkle formation (dynamic lines, movement lines)
are selectively exposed to the action of botulinum toxin
A (Botox). Thus reducing or eliminating the lines.
Botulinum Toxin A was first isolated in 1827, it was
not until the early 1990s that its use in cosmetic treatment
began.
First used in the forehead for wrinkle reduction, its
use has now spread to other areas of the face and neck.
Frown lines and laughter lines (crows feet) reduction
is the most common use of Botox®.
It is also widely used to treat excessive sweating in
the under arm area (hyperhidrosis).
Ideal candidates for wrinkle reduction treatments are
those who understand the cause of their lines, understand
the lines (wrinkles) can be for different reasons and
some can be treated by appropriate use of Botulinum
Toxin A.
Botulinum
Toxin Type A (Botox®) injections are now the most
common non surgical treatment for lines and wrinkles
Is
it Safe?
It
is a safe treatment and has been used in cosmetic and
medical therapies for 20 years.
What
is it used for?
It
is used for lines and wrinkles to temporarily improve
the appearance of forehead furrows, frown lines, crows
feet (laughter lines) lip (smokers) lines and dimpled
chin.
Botox
injections can be used to give the effect of a brow
lift.
Botox® (Botulinum Toxin) is also used to treat excessive
sweating (Hyperhydrosis) in the under arms area. Nowadays
it is a popular treatment used by many to eliminate
the sweat patchs on cloths on important and special
occassions such as weddings.
How
does it work?
By
temporarily blocking nerve transmission to the muscles
under the skin. Lines and wrinkles formed by the action
of these muscles are reduced or removed.
How
painful are the injection?
Not
really painful, only transient discomfort is felt at
the site of injection
When
will it start to work?
It
takes about 3 to 5 days to start to work, the maximum
effect is seen about 14 days.
How
long does it last?
It
lasts about 3 to 4 months. With repeated treatments
it may last longer.
What
are the side effects?
Side
effects are rare. Bruising at the site of injection
is the most common.
Rare effects include drooping of eyelids, asymmetry,
and headaches and very rarely it can cause flu like
symptoms.
Botox® Injection Areas
Frown
Lines |
Botox
injections in the area shown can reduce or eliminate
the appearence of frown lines |
|
Forehead
Lines |
Botox
injections in the area shown can reduce or eliminate
forehead lines |
 |
Crows
Feet /Laughter Lines |
Botox
injections in the area shown can reduce or eliminate
crows feet / laughter lines |
 |
Nasolabial
Folds |
Botox
injections in the area shown can reduce the depth
of the nasolabial fold |
 |
Lip
Lines / Smoker Lines |
Botox
injections in the area shown can reduce or eliminate
lip lines / smoker lines |
 |
Lower
Lip an Neck Lines |
Botox
injections in the area shown can reduce or eliminate
the appearence of a cobblestone chin and necklace
lines |
 |
Excessive
Sweating |
Botox
injections in the area shown can reduce the amount
of sweating from the arm pit and the effect can
last 4 to 6 months. |
 |
Botox
just like any other procedure carries risks and containdications
for more information please click here