BOTOX® is purified Botulinum Toxin Type A produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a versatile product which is used to treat various conditions such as blepharospasms, migraine, muscle hyperactivity and stiffness, facial wrinkles and excessive sweatiness.
Its commonest use nowadays is to erase facial wrinkles via a few tiny injections on the face. The results are dramatic and apparent within days. It has been widely used for more than 20 years, and is approved by the US FDA for such cosmetic purposes.
What BOTOX® isn’t
BOTOX® is not magic. It will not radically change your look. It will not make you look twenty years younger. However it will soften those unwanted wrinkles and give you a more relax and glowing appearance. It does not travel throughout the body system and does not remain in your body indefinitely.
How does BOTOX® work
BOTOX® works by relaxing the tiny facial muscles that cause expression lines and wrinkles. Once the muscle is relaxed, you cannot contract it excessively or continue to make those undesirable facial expressions like frowning.
What to expect from the treatment
Your doctor will determine exactly where and how much BOTOX® to use to achieve the best results. No anaesthetic is required and the treatment usually takes 5 – 10 minutes only.
Discomfort is minimal and brief – akin to an ant-bite sting for a few seconds.
Most people resume normal activities immediately. It takes 2-3 days for BOTOX® to take effect and its full effect is seen in 7 days.
How long does the effect last?
BOTOX® lasts for 4 – 6 months. Repeat injections may be given as desired. Recent studies have shown that repeat injections can impart a longer lasting effect i.e. you need less and less frequent treatment in the future.
Are there any side effects
Most side effects if any are temporary and localized to the treatment areas. Some soreness and mild bruising may be easily covered up with makeup. Headache, drooping eyelids and drooping eyebrows may last for a few weeks but are temporary too.
Can BOTOX® be combined with other procedures
BOTOX® is often combined with skin filler injections, laser treatment and chemical peel without any unwanted side effects.
Can BOTOX® be used for treatment of excessive sweating
Yes, BOTOX® can be used for the treatment of excessive sweating in the armpits, palms and soles. BOTOX® targets sweating at its source – i.e. the nerves controlling the sweat glands to block excessive secretion of sweat.
This method of treatment proves to be convenient and effective among sufferers of excessive sweatiness. Depending on the areas and severity of the condition, your doctor will advise how much BOTOX® is needed for your treatment. The effect of BOTOX® can last between 6 – 12 months.
How much does each BOTOX® procedure cost
The cost of each treatment is determined by the number of areas treated and therefore the amount of BOTOX® solution used. Do discuss this with your dermatologist.