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:
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: