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Botox

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s the same toxin that causes botulism (food poisoning) but when used in small doses it results in temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying facial muscles, which limits the facial gestures that result in wrinkles. Botox is also used to treat health problems like excessive sweating, stiff muscles and neck spasm, incontinence and overactive bladder, as well as lazy eye, and even migraines.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

With Botox injections, a specific problem will be corrected, for example, a furrowed brow, or drooping mouth. When Botox is injected into the muscles under facial wrinkles, those muscles relax and the skin above them smooths out. You’ll notice a smoother forehead, fewer wrinkles and lines, and a lifting effect around the brow, mouth and jaw areas.

SOME FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

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How do I plan for a Botox treatment?
Make an appointment with your surgeon, stating that Botox is the treatment you’d like to have.

Your surgeon will explain the procedure, so you will know what can be achieved. He or she will need to know your medical history, and what medications you take. You’ll have a physical examination of the area to be treated, and you and the surgeon will discuss which areas should be treated.

You cannot have Botox if you have a skin infection or a neuromuscular condition like myasthenia gravis. If you’re unwell in any way, are taking certain medicines and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not have the treatment, so remember to disclose any of these to your surgeon.

What is the procedure for a Botox treatment?

A numbing cream may be applied to the areas about to be treated. Botox is then injected into facial muscles using a syringe with a very fine needle. The areas that can be treated with Botox include the brow area, eyes, chin, mouth and neck. You’ll need injections in different places, depending on the area being treated. A typical Botox treatment takes about 10 minutes.

Where will my Botox treatment be performed?
The treatment is quick and simple and can be done in the surgeon’s consulting room.
Is anaesthetic necessary for Botox?

The surgeon may apply a numbing cream to the area being treated, but the very fine needle used causes only minor discomfort so no anaesthetic injections are needed.

What can I expect after a Botox treatment?

You’ll be able to leave immediately after the treatment, and you won’t feel any pain or discomfort after the procedure.

You will start to see and feel changes after two or three days. During that time, try not to frown, do not massage or rub your face, avoid excessive sun, heat, or vigorous exercise.

The effects of Botox injections can last from two to four months. Over time, the muscle activity will slowly return to normal. If you decide to have another treatment, you should wait at least 3 months, because the treatment may stop being effective if done too frequently.

What results can I expect?
The results of Botox, which will be noticeable after a few days, are very satisfying. You’ll have visibly smoother skin, thanks to reduced facial wrinkles, especially in the brow and forehead area. You may notice that you won’t be able to frown as much, which will also help slow the development of more lines and wrinkles.
What are the risks involved?

Botox is a low risk treatment, with minor complications, which can include a headache and flu-like symptoms for the first 24 hours. There may be some swelling and bruising or redness at the injection site.

There may also be a ‘frozen’ look – this happens if too much Botox is injected, but will also be temporary. Droopiness can occur in some areas, like eyelids or eyebrows More serious problems are rare, but they can include blurred or double vision after Botox injections in the eye area, or breathing difficulties after injections in the neck area.

Contact your surgeon if these occur or if you are unhappy with the results of the treatment.