GlobalSpa
26-Jul-2019
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Curious about Botox injections and effects? Dr. Anup Dhir explains everything you need to know about them.
Are you looking for ways to get rid of those lose muscles causing wrinkles? Then Botox injections can be one the options to consider. Botulinum toxin injections often referred to by the product names Botox, Dysport or Myobloc, are biological toxins (botulinum toxin) transformed into a therapeutic agent. The most common use of these injections is to temporarily relax the facial muscles that underlie and cause wrinkles, such as frown lines between the eyebrows, crow's-feet, the lines that fan out from the corners of the eyes and forehead furrows, and the horizontal lines that form when you raise your eyebrows. These injections are very popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure. The type of lines and wrinkles that respond to Botox injections are those caused by the muscles - specifically those muscles that contract during facial expressions such as frowning or squinting. Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle gets partially paralysed, can no longer contract, and then causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. This procedure takes only a few minutes in the OPD and no anesthesia is required. It is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect and it is best to avoid alcohol at least one week prior to treatment. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped two weeks before treatment as well in order to reduce bruising. Take care that you do not rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lay down for three to four hours. The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. You could have headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The cosmetic effects from Botox will last four to six months. The muscle action gradually returns and the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax. The botulinum injections can be done along with filler injections. This procedure is routinely done at Image medical center. This article is authored by Dr. Anup Dhir, Senior Consultant Apollo Hospital, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon & Andrologist, Image Medical Centre, New Delhi. These opinions are of the author’s and does not reflect GlobalSpa’s views.
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