Botox

Botox is the brand name for Botulinum Toxin (BT) which is produced by the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum.[1] It has been used to correct facial creases and wrinkles.

How does Botox Work?

1. Normally, brain transmits messages through nerves (by a substance called Acetylcholine) to the muscles thereby allowing them to contract and move.

2. BT blocks the release of acetylcholine which prevents contraction in the injected muscle, thereby causing the wrinkle to relax and soften.

How many botox units do you need?

Risk Factors [2]

Swelling or bruising at the site of injecting

Headache

Excessive tearing or dry eye, drooping eyelids, cockeyed eyebrows if injected around the eye

Botox Procedure [3]

It takes only a few minutes to carry out the procedure; anaesthesia is usually not required.

Botox is injected into the targeted (affected) muscle using a fine needle.

Full effect can be seen in 3—5 days

The effect lasts for 4—6 months

Other rare side effects or risks are:

• Muscle weakness on the entire body
• Difficulties in swallowing or speaking
• Difficulties in vision
• Difficulties in breathing
• No bladder control

References

[1]. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2856357/

[2]. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/basics/risks/prc-20009036

[3]. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/neurological_institute/mellen-center-multiple-sclerosis/treatment-services/hic-treating-multiple-sclerosis-with-botox