Botox injections are mainly known for their ability to minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles. Botox injections are also used to treat other health conditions like neck spasms (cervical dystonia), excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), overactive bladder, and lazy eye. Botox injections can also aid in the prevention of chronic migraines.
Botox injections utilize a toxin called onobotulinumtoxin A to briefly stop a muscle from moving. This toxin is made by the microbe that leads to botulism, which is a type of food poisoning.
Botulinum toxin was first used in the drug called Botox. Now, there are other products including abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport), rimabotulinumtoxin B (Myobloc), and incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin).
Each is slightly different, especially when it comes to dosage units, hence they are not interchangeable.
Botox injections obstruct certain chemical signals from the nerves, mainly the signals that cause the muscles to contract. These injections are therefore used to temporarily relax the facial muscles that lead to wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. Botox injections are also used for the treatment of other health conditions that affect the functioning of the body. Among them are:
1. Crossed eyes (strabismus)
2. Excessive muscle contractions (dystonia)
3. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
4. Eyelid twitching
5. Chronic migraines
6. Overactive bladder
7. Wrinkles and other signs of aging
8. Paediatric upper limb spasticity
9. Adult spasticity
10. Blepharospasm
11. Cervical dystonia
The patient must make sure that the doctor has a list of medications and supplements that are being currently consumed by them. There are some medications like anticoagulants or blood thinners (warfarin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that increase the risk of bruising at the
injection site. The patient must also avoid alcohol 24 hours before the procedure because it makes them vulnerable to redness and bruising.
Botox injections are typically applied in the doctor's office itself. The doctor will use a thin needle to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into the skin or muscles of the patient. The number of injections required is dependent on a number of factors, including the extent of the area that is being treated.
The patient must not rub or massage the areas that are treated for 24 hours. This can aid in preventing the toxin from spreading to a different area. The patient can resume their normal activities as soon as the procedure is completed.
The side effects of botulinum toxin injections vary depending on the area being treated and the individual. Among the likely risks are:
· Pain, swelling, redness, or bruising at the site of treatment
· Flu-like symptoms
· Headache
· Neck pain
· Indigestion
· Temporary drooping of the eyelids (ptosis)
· Eye irritation or redness
Botulin toxin injections such as Botox and Dysport provide temporary relief from migraines, excessive sweating, some eye problems, and other health problems. As a cosmetic procedure, these injections soften wrinkles by preventing muscle contraction. The effects of the treatment are not permanent, meaning that people will require more injections in three to six months. It is safe to take botulinum toxin injections repeatedly.
Established By Dr Prathap C Reddy In 1983, Apollo Healthcare Has A Robust Presence Across The Healthcare Ecosystem. From Routine Wellness & Preventive Health Care To Innovative Life-Saving Treatments And Diagnostic Services, Apollo Hospitals Has Touched More Than 120 Million Lives From Over 120 Countries, Offering The Best Clinical Outcomes.
7,000+Healing Hands
4,000+Pharmacies
170+primary care & diagnostic clinics
70+Hospitals
Botulinum toxin injections are relatively safe. However, people should not undergo this treatment if they have:
· Neuromuscular disease
· Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
· Weak facial muscles
· Are Pregnant
· Are Breastfeeding
People must consult the doctor if they experience the following:
· Problems with vision including blurred vision or drooping eyelids
· Shortness of breath
· Difficulty swallowing
· Slurred speech
· Numbness or paralysis in the untreated area
· Severe stomach upset
The patient can return to their daily routine almost immediately after the treatment.