What is Botox/ Botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin, popular as Botox is a neurotic substance derived from the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. It is an injection used medically to treat conditions like migraines and cosmetically to remove wrinkles and fine lines, face contouring, sweat reduction etc.

How does Botox work?

It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses in the treated muscle, thereby temporarily restricting the movement of the muscle.

How is the procedure performed?

  • Method: Botox is a non-surgical procedure, administered by diluting the botulinum toxin in saline & injecting it directly into the targeted muscle.The procedure can be done with or without topical anaesthesia.
  • Time: It depends on the areas to be treated, it can take about 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
  • Pain: It is a well-tolerated procedure, patients can have a mild stinging sensation at the site of injection at the worst. Ice packs and topical anaesthesia is used to reduce the patient’s discomfort.

What can botox do?

  • Soften/ erase wrinkles and fine lines
  • Face countering
  • Defines the jawline
  • Sweat reduction from areas like forehead, palms, feet, armpits
  • Reduction in the appearance of shoulder bulge

What botox cannot do?

Botox cannot act as a filler, It cannot fill the empty, sagging skin.

How long does it take to show the effect?

It takes about 24 to 72 hours for the Botox to show its effects. The results keep improving over next 14 days.

How long do the results last?

The results last for 3 to 4 months and it varies from candidate to candidate.

Post-procedure

We advise our patients:

  • Not to do heavy workouts and avoid bending of head for next 4 hours
  • Avoid hot beverages like tea, coffee for the next few hours
  • Avoid sleeping for the next 4 hours

How frequently the procedure has to be done?

In order to maintain the look, one needs to repeat the procedure every 4 to 6 months or once you start noticing the lines. Or, it can be occasionally whenever the candidate feels the need to do it (for ex: few candidates get it done when there is an event at home or like a birthday gift etc)

Common Concerns

This happens when too much Botox is injected and completely blocks the muscle movement.This was mainly seen in olden days, especially in celebrities where Botox was overdone, which is why it is important to choose the right doctor to get the right guidance on the treatment.One must choose to soften the expressions instead of completely freezing them. It should be done in a systematic, stepwise manner.Done right, Botox is a very safe and good cosmetic procedure with no side effects

How long do the results last?

The results last for 3 to 4 months and it varies from candidate to candidate.

Word of caution:

Fillers and Botox are very good and safe procedures when done right, but when overdone or done too frequently they can lead to the so-called filler faces or cat faces. So, the important factor here is an injector. Hence, Please choose a certified dermatologist who has enough experience with fillers as your injector.

Do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you want to get authentic information and to know what to expect after the procedure. Be very clear about what you are expecting from this procedure and discuss the long-term implications of the procedure.

Stay healthy, Stay happy!