A Guide to Botox

When most people think of botox, they imagine a miracle cure-all for wrinkles and frown lines, but it’s actually much more than that. In spite of the bad press botox sometimes receives, it’s a very useful tool that can help with muscle abnormalities or serious migraine problems, its medical functions are varied.

What is botox?

‘Botox’ is short for botulinum toxin, which is a very powerful neurotoxin, if administered in anything more than miniscule doses, it is fatal. However, because of its beneficial properties regarding muscles, botox can be safely used in small quantities across a number of medical procedures.

What kind of thing is botox used for?

Botox is a particularly versatile toxin, and can be used to treat lots of different ailments:

Limb spasticity – Overactive muscles can be relaxed by using botox to block the erratic messages being passed through the membrane, this weakens the muscle for around three or four months. This tends to work best in the arms and isn’t used for the legs – the arms are not constantly expected to bear the bodies weight, and it’s known whether it would work in the same way. Similar conditions such as stiffness in the joint muscles can also be relieved.

Cervical dystonia – This is a neurological movement disorder that is characterised by abnormal muscle contractions. Botox can block nerve communication and relax the muscles, to relieve pain and cramps that patients suffer from regularly. The effects can last for up to six months, but there is some chance that immunity may develop.

Migraines – Botox has been very effective at relieving the symptoms of chronic migraines, which can last for days at a time.

Excessive underarm sweating – By paralysing the glands that are overproducing, botox can significantly reduce this problem for three to four months at a time.

The most popular use of botox in the cosmetic industry, where it is used to temporarily reduce the appearance of frown lines, crows feet, and nasolabial folds – also called smile lines. Tiny amounts of the toxin are introduced into the muscle via a small needle, it will then paralyse the facial muscle underneath, which pulls the skin taut and eliminates the line. Most patients arriving at the Pearl Dental Clinic in London will be requesting the treatment to fight the effects of aging, but it’s important that the surgeon doesn’t over do it, as this can lead to an unwanted ‘freezing’ effect. Botox can really lift the face and give it a fresher, more youthful appearance, and it means patients can avoid major surgery like a face-lift. There is also minimal scarring with botox injections and the effects, although temporary to begin with, will start to last longer the more the treatment is repeated.

What happens during the procedure?

If you are considering a series of botox injections for cosmetic purposes, it’s important that your surgeon has read your entire medical history, so that they can assess your suitability. Be sure to make them aware of any nerve or muscle conditions you might have, breathing problems, or allergies.
To begin with, your doctor will discuss with you the areas that need treating. If you are worried about pain, most doctors will be happy to apply a numbing cream to stop you feeling any discomfort, although the needles are so small this isn’t usually necessary. The botox is then injected into the wrinkles and lines all over the face, this takes between ten and fifteen minutes to complete.

How long will it last?

When used for cosmetic purposes, the effects of botox will last around three or four months – longer if the treatments are repeated regularly. Reputable doctors won’t usually perform another round of injections within the first three months of the initial procedure, and how long the effects last vary from patient to patient – depending on how deep the lines were to begin with.

Are there any side effects?

Because botox is essentially a poison, there can be some unpleasant side effects if it’s not used correctly. Some symptoms can arise weeks after the toxin has been injected, so don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you notice any problems, such as; Difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking. This is due to the weakening of surrounding muscles and can be fatal if treatment is not sought immediately.

All-over muscle weakness, blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids. Accompanying symptoms like loss of bladder control or trouble breathing, are all indicative of the toxin spreading to other areas of the body.
Although these effects might seem severe, if botox is used in the correct dosage there is a greatly reduced chance of them occurring in both cosmetic and medical procedures. The toxin only becomes life threatening if it is used in unsuitable amounts, so be sure to chose a reputable, experienced surgeon if you would like botox treatment.

Other minor side effects like slight bruising and tenderness are more likely to occur but are not long lasting or dangerous – they tend to wear off after a few weeks.

Will I be suitable for treatment?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you won’t be able to have botox injections, not because it is known to be dangerous to unborn babies, but because doctors recommend erring on the side of caution and avoiding any procedures which might have negative side effects.

You will also be denied treatment if you have a family history of muscle or nerve diseases, or a problem with them yourself. Certain antibiotics and medications can cause a reaction with the toxin, so you will have to wait until you’ve completed the course of treatment before considering botox injections.