Botox

A toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. This toxin causes relaxation 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 (like Botox, Xeomin, Vistabel etc), 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 Botulinum Toxin.

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 (like Xeomin, Botox, Vistabel etc) 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.

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 patches on clothes for important and special occasions 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 injections?

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.