BOTOX

Botox

Botox is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Botulinum toxin is used as a treatment to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines. Apart from aesthetic indications, Botox is used to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Botulinum toxin is currently approved for the following indications:

1. Blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids).
2. Hemifacial spasm.
3. Glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows).
4. Canthal lines (crow's feet).
5. Oromandibular dystonia (forceful contraction of the jaw, face, and/or tongue).

Procedure

Botulinum toxin is administered by diluting the powder in saline and injecting it directly into muscle. It takes 24-72 hours for its effect. In very rare circumstances, it may take as long as 5 days for the full effect of botulinum toxin to be seen.

Botulinum toxin should not be used in pregnant or lactating women, or by people who have had a previous allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients.

Risks and Side Effects

Possible side effects of a Botox injection include migraines, nausea, double vision, and general malaise.

Injections with botulinum toxin are generally well tolerated. In rare cases, an individual may have a mild, transient unusual response to the drug.

Around 1 percent of people receiving injections of botulinum toxin type A develop antibodies to the toxin that make subsequent treatments ineffective.

Botulinum toxin may cause some unwanted effects. These can include:

1. Mild pain, local edema and/or erythema at the injection site.
2. Numbness.
3. Headache.
4. Malaise - feeling generally unwell.
5. Nausea.

Dr Vinay Jacob and Dr Giovanna Spinzo have understood the complex dynamics of facial expressions and mastered the art of its injections while training in Italy and Spain.