Botox cosmetic ( Botulinum toxin)

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, which is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium ‘Clostridium botulinum’. It is used primarily for temporary reduction of facial wrinkles and fine lines by paralyzing the underlying muscles reducing the movements of the treated areas.

Mechanism of Action:

Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and thereby inhibiting muscle contraction. This results in temporary muscle paralysis, due to which the muscles of facial expression get relaxed, leading to smoothening of the overlying skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Indications:

Botox Cosmetic is US FDA-approved for the following aesthetic purposes:

Forehead lines: Horizontal lines across the forehead caused by contraction of frontalis muscle. These lines are also known as “ worrylines”
Glabellar lines: Vertical lines between the eyebrows, called “frown lines” He is one of the commonest indications in females. These lines make your face look angry. This injection is given to the corrugator muscles which are the depressor of the eyebrows in the central part.
Crow’s feet: The wrinkles around the outer corners of the eyes which appear majorly when you smile are called Crow’s feet. These lines are aggravated by laughing, squeezing your eyes in sun light.
Other off-label uses: Botox is also used to treat many other areas like- treatment of bunny lines (lines on the nose), perioral lines (around the mouth), and neck bands. - Botox is also used to treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of hands and feet, and under arms can also be treated by botulinum toxin injections.

Procedure:

Pre-procedure: Minimal preparation is required, but patients are usually advised to avoid blood thinners or alcohol before treatment to reduce bruising risk.
Administration: The procedure involves several small injections directly into the target muscles. It is typically done in an outpatient setting and takes about 10-15 minutes.
Post-procedure care: Patients are advised to avoid lying down, massaging the area, or engaging in strenuous activities for a few hours after treatment.

Onset and Duration:

The effects of Botox usually begin within 3-5 days, though the maximum results are seen at about 2 weeks. So generally, your doctors advise you for a follow-up after two weeks for any touch up required. The results typically last for 3-4 months, however, it may vary from patient to patient, after which repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the effect.

Safety and Side Effects:

Botox Cosmetic is generally safe when administered by a trained professional. A dermatologist and plastic surgeon are trained during their curriculum for its usage.

Common side effects include:

Swelling, mild pain, or bruising at the injection site
Headache or flu-like symptoms Is documented within 48 hours.
Temporary eyelid droop or asymmetry, depending on the site of injection
Allergic reactions or systemic side effects are extremely rare.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to any botulinum toxin product including the preservatives
Presence of infection at the site of injection , herpes infection
Certain neurological conditions which lead to muscle weakness (e.g., myasthenia gravis)

Efficacy:

Botox is highly effective for dynamic wrinkles, the wrinkles that appear with facial expressions. But, less so for static wrinkles (those that are present at rest). Consistent use can also prevent the formation of deeper lines over time. So what injections are considered to be preventative measures of formation of wrinkles rather than treatment of wrinkles.

Post procedure instructions after botulinum toxin injection-
Here is a list of post-procedure care instructions to ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of side effects:

1. Avoid Touching the Area

Do not rub, massage, or touch the treated areas for 24 hours in order to prevent the toxin from spreading to other unintended areas.

2. Stay Upright

Avoid lying down for 4-6 hours after your botulinum toxin injections to reduce the risk of it migrating to other untreated areas.

3. Avoid Strenuous Activities

Refrain from heavy exercise, weightlifting, or intense physical activity for the next 24 hours. This is to minimize bruising and swelling.

4. Avoid Heat Exposure

Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, and tanning beds, and do not expose yourself to direct sunlight for 24 hours. Heat can raise potential risk of swelling and bruising.

5. No Alcohol or Blood Thinners

Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and any other blood thinners for 24 hours , this helps to reduce the risk of bruising.

6. Avoid Makeup (if applicable)

If injections were done on the face, it is best to avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours to prevent irritation.

7. Minor Side Effects

You may experience mild redness, swelling, or bruising around the injection site. These symptoms typically resolve within a few hours to a couple of days.

8. No Facial Treatments

Avoid facials, chemical peels, or any facial massages for at least 3 days after Botox treatment.

9. Monitor for Unusual Reactions

Watch for any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, or severe swelling. In such cases, immediately contact your doctor.

10. Wait patiently - Rome was not built in a day !

Botox typically starts working in 3-5 days, with full results visible in about two weeks. Plan any major events or treatments accordingly.

If you have any concerns or questions, contact your dermatologist at Subodha skin cosmetic clinic, we are happy to help you.

Our cosmetic dermatologist, Dr shilpa bhat, is certified for Boum toxin injections by many international forums. She has trained many dermatologists for this procedure. She is a qualified cosmetic dermatologist, who has done a fellowship degree in cosmetic Dermatology by Rajiv Gandhi University of health sciences.(FRGUHS)

The cost of the treatment:

Neuro toxin injections are priced depending on the number of units used, the area to be treated and the complexity of the procedure. In general, the procedure starts as low as ₹400 per unit. The number of units required are given to you in writing by our dermatologist. The same amount will be injected during procedure. However, if there is any alterations, the doctor will discuss with you before going ahead with the procedure. 18% GST is applicable as it is a cosmetic procedure.