What is Botox?
Lines and wrinkles are common signs of facial aging which make us look old. When it comes to treating them without getting under the knife, i.e. surgery, Botox is one of the safest, highly effective, and most popular treatment options available.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox is the most commonly performed non-invasive treatment among cosmetic procedures.
Let’s understand more about this treatment!
You may be aware that Botox treatment involves the administration of Botox injections into the skin which instantly fades away fine lines and wrinkles. But do you know what Botox actually is?
Botox is a neurotoxin extracted from a bacterium, named Clostridium botulinum. This toxin, when administered beneath the skin in diluted concentration, blocks the chemical transmission of signals in the nerves controlling muscle contraction. As a result, the target muscles get relaxed, or in other words, paralyzed.
This temporary paralyzing ability of the Botox helps in fading away lines and wrinkles which are due to the tense, contracted muscles underneath the skin.
What are the Benefits and Uses of Botox Treatment?
Botox treatment has the following benefits;
- Non-invasive procedure
- Short procedure time
- Minimal downtime and recovery period
- Relatively inexpensive than other cosmetic treatments
- Quick results
- Highly safe with no serious side effects
Botox is being used for the following purposes in the cosmetic industry. It;
- Fades away the signs of aging, i.e. fine lines and wrinkles, including;
- Crow’s feet (Wrinkles around eyes)
- Frown or glabellar lines (present on the forehead and in between eyebrows)
- Smile lines (creases around the mouth and nasolabial folds)
- Marionette lines (lines between corners of mouth and chin)
- Bunny’s lines (on the bridge and side of the nose)
- Lifts the droopy eyelids
- Tightens the saggy skin
- Smoothens the skin
- Makes you look younger
There are various other medical applications of Botox as well, like its use in the treatment of muscle spasms, strabismus, migraines, hyperhidrosis, overactive bladder, etc. However, these are out of the scope of this blog.
What to Expect During the Botox Treatment?
Botox treatment is done by highly skilled dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The treatment is done in a highly systematic way.
During your initial visit, the doctor will thoroughly assess your face and make sure that you are the right candidate for this treatment. He/she will also determine which areas of your face need Botox and how many units of it will be required. You will be explained about the procedure, its pros and cons, and what results should be expected from the treatment.
On the treatment day, you will be asked to sit on a reclining chain. The doctor will mark the injection sites, and clean the areas with a disinfectant. A topical anesthetic cream or spray will be applied to minimize the pain or discomfort of injections. Botox will then be strategically injected in the targeted areas using fine needles.
After the treatment, you will be kept under observation for a few minutes. After that, your doctor will explain the aftercare instructions and give you the prescription for post-treatment medications. Then, you will be good to go.
When will I see the Results?
The results are instantaneous. You will observe significant improvements within a few minutes after getting botox treatment. However, full results may become evident in 5 to 7 days.
How long do the Results Last?
The results are not permanent and usually fade away after 4 to 6 months. Therefore, you need repeat sessions to maintain the results.
Are there any Side Effects of Botox?
Botox is a safe and non-invasive treatment with no serious side effects. However, like any treatment, there are some potential side effects and complications that can occur when the treatment is done by an inexperienced doctor, or when the incorrect dose is administered in the wrong areas using the wrong techniques.
These may include;
- Pain
- Redness
- Bruising
- Droopy eyelids
- Asymmetry
- Crooked smile
- Dryness or excessive tearing of eyes
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Weakness of facial muscles – etc
VIP Plastic Surgery
We, at VIP Plastic Surgery, are a team of highly-skilled and certified doctors and trained staff that will provide you with the best of care. We are providing facilities for various cosmetic treatments using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technology.