Botox Injection

Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxins block the signals that would normally tell your muscles to contract. Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles causing it to relax and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

WHAT ARE BOTOX INJECTIONS USED FOR?

Botox is used both in medical conditions as well as for cosmetic enhancement.

Medical Uses of Botox

Some medical conditions may cause the muscles to contract involuntarily which can be debilitating to the patients. Eye or facial conditions that are amenable to Botox injection include:

• Involuntary blinking, twitching or closure of the eyes (blepharospasm)
• Facial twitching (hemifacial spasm)
• Squint or misalignment of the eyes

Cosmetic Uses of Botox

Botox is frequently used in facial rejuvenation. Botox injection relaxes the muscles hence reducing the appearance of wrinkles and giving the skin a smoother appearance. Botox can also be used to enhance the arch of the eyebrows that may be desirable in some women.

• Forehead and facial wrinkles
• Asymmetrical eyebrows
• Enhancement of eyebrow arch

BOTOX INJECTION SIDE EFFECTS

• Transient bruising, redness or pain at injection sites
• Tiredness or headaches
• Droopy eyelids
• Double vision
• Allergic reaction

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?

The effects of Botox treatment are not permanent. The effect usually lasts between 3 to 6 months. Repeated injections may be needed to maintain the desired results.