What is Botox?

Definition:
BOTOX* is a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and is used as a paralyzing agent for the muscles of expression. This weakens the fine muscles in the forehead, around the eyes and the glabellar areas as a result frown lines, forehead creases and crows feet are reduced or eliminated.

BOTOX* is also being used to reduce sweating in the axilla, palms of hand and feet.
Treatment is in the form of multiple injections made using very fine needles with ice or local anesthetic cream to numb the area. The injections are not painful. The effects start to appear in a couple of days and the best result is seen in a week. The results generally last about 4-6 months and then the injection has to be repeated. The injections done multiple times may give a longer lasting result.

While the use of BOTOX Surgery is new in cosmetic surgery, it is by no means untested. For many years, it has been used in the treatment of patients who have spasmodic contractions of the eye or other facial muscles in conditions such as hemi-facial spasm or blepharospasm, as well as certain spasmodic voice disorders.

BOTOX injections
appear to be very safe. The most serious side effect is drooping of the upper lid due to paralysis of the lid muscle or double vision caused by paralysis of small muscles of the eye. This complication is temporary and will disappear once the effect of botox wears off. This is avoided by keeping the injection away from the lid and not lying down for 4 hours after the injection. No systemic side effect has been reported to date. There may be some minor bruising which can be covered up with makeup.

After care
The head should be held elevated for 4 hours or more (no lying down). Ice application to the injected area will help in reduction of bruising and swelling. Makeup can be used within a hour. Expect results to start appearing in a couple of days and best results take a week.