What is Botox?

BOTOX* is a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and is used as a paralyzing agent for the muscles of expression. This weakens the fine muscles as result frown lines, forehead creases, and crows feet are reduced or eliminated.

BOTOX* is also being used to reduce sweating in the axilla, palms of hands, and feet.

Treatment is in the form of multiple injections made using very fine needles with ice or local anesthetic cream to numb the area. The injections are not painful. Care should be taken to not lie down up to 4 hours after the injection. The effects start to appear in a couple of days and the best result is seen in a week. The results generally last about 4-6 months and then the injection has to be repeated. The injections done multiple times may give a longer-lasting result.

BOTOX injections appear to be very safe. The most serious side effect is drooping of the upper lid due to paralysis of the lid muscle or double vision caused by paralysis of small muscles of the eye. This complication is temporary and will disappear once the effect of botox wears off. This is avoided by keeping the injection away from the lid and not lying down for 4 hours after the injection. No systemic side effect has been reported to date. There may be some minor bruising which can be covered up with makeup.

Aftercare
The head should be held elevated for 4 hours or more (no lying down). Ice application to the injected area will help in the reduction of bruising and swelling. Makeup can be used within an hour. Expect results to start appearing in a couple of days and the best results take a week.

We have only mentioned the recognized therapeutic cosmetic uses of Botox. While there are many practitioners that engage in ‘off label use’- As a policy, we do not subscribe to it and restricts its use to the uses as approved.