Botulinum toxin (Botox) is derived from bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, this toxin can cause botulism, an illness that affects the nerves. Botox has been used since the 1970s in the field of ophthalmology, and in the last 20 years, its use has expanded to various healthscopes, especially dermatology.
Botox consists of 7 types of neurotoxins; however, only toxins A and B are used clinically. Botox A is used for several disorders in the field of medicine, particularly in dermatology and cosmetology. The first type of botox was introduced for the treatment of blepharospasm in 1989. In 2002, the FDA approved the use of Botox for a cosmetic treatment for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. It was approved by the FDA for treatment of wrinkles around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) in 2013.
Botox has been shown to be a safe, simple and effective treatment for reduction of wrinkles.
Indications :
Botox is generally injected into muscles of facial expressions. Most of these muscles are attached to soft tissues rather than bones, and by contracting, they pull across the skin to give facial expressions.
In esthetics, Botox is used for reducing
Glabellar frown lines
Crow’s feet
Horizontal forehead creases
Wrinkles around the lips (smoker’s lines)
Marionette lines
Platysmal bands in the neck
Strabismus
Blepharospasm
Cervical dystonia
Hyperhidrosis
Eczema
Lichen simplex
Acne Vulgaris
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Includes patients with:
Myasthenia gravis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis
Eaton Lambert syndrome
Pregnant and Breastfeeding women
Neonates and Children
Focal and systemic infections
Hypersensitivity or allergies.
Procedure:
Getting botox done is a fairly simple procedure. It takes only a few minutes. There is no need of anaesthesia. The provider uses a small needle to inject botox into specific muscles with slight discomfort.
One can see the full effect within 7 to 14 days. It is advised to avoid alcohol, aspirin and antiplatelet agents, 1 week before the procedure.
Avoid rubbing the injection site for atleast 24 hours.
The effects of botox last for about 3 to 6 months. As the muscle action slowly returns, the lines and wrinkles re-appearand need to be treated again.
Side- Effects of Botox:
The side effects are temporary and can include: