Botox:
Botox is produced by a type of bacteria called "Clostridium botulinum", and it the same substance that causes food poisoning, but it is used by doctors in small doses for temporary, non-surgical treatment of some health problems, but it is most common in cosmetic procedures.
How to use Botox:
Botox is injected directly into the muscle, where it leads to weakness or paralysis by blocking certain chemical signals from those nerves causing muscle contraction, using a small needle for injection and simple tingling can be felt. This process takes approximately 10 minutes, and it takes about 2 or 3 days to start functioning, and 2 to 3 weeks for full effect to appear. The number of injections required depends on many factors including the extent of the treated area, and the patient can normally resume his work or other activities immediately while adhering to the instructions regarding the first 24 hours after Injections.
How long Botox lasts:
The effects last 3 to 4 months depending on what was treated.
Botox uses:
First: in cosmetics:
- Reducing and removing wrinkles on the forehead.
- Fine lines around the eyes.
- Raise the corners of the mouth.
- Improving the appearance of scars.
Second: Treating other health problems:
- Cramps in the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Chronic migraine.
- Excessive sweating of the armpits, hands and/or feet.
- Strabismus or twitching of the muscles around the eye.
- Overactive bladder.
- Spasms in some neurological conditions (e.g.: cerebral palsy).
Side effects:
- Flu-like symptoms (first 24 hours).
- Headache and nausea.
- Bruising, swelling and redness at the injection site.
- Inability to move facial muscles if too much Botox is injected.
- Temporary weakness and drooping of the face (e.g.: drooping eyelids or eyebrows) if - Botox moves in these areas.
- Dry Eye.
- Blurred or double vision if the area around the eyes is treated (rare cases).
- Breathing difficulties if the neck area was injected. (rare cases).
The risk and type of side effect also depends on the site of the injected muscle.
Contraindications:
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
- Facial muscle weakness.
- Neuromuscular disease or drooping eyelids.
When to see a doctor:
When any of these effects are observed hours after injection to a period of up to weeks, which include:
- Muscle weakness all over the body.
- Vision problems.
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- Trouble breathing.
- Loss of bladder control.
- Appearance of signs of cystitis, such as blood in the urine.
- Severe upset stomach.
General Tips for using Botox:
- Injections should only be done by a doctor, as Botox treatment can be dangerous if given incorrectly.
- The doctor should be informed about whether the person is using certain medications (such as: blood thinners, muscle relaxants, allergy medications, etc.).
- It usually takes between three to five days to see minor differences, and two weeks for final results to appear, and the effects generally last for a period of 3 to 4 months.
- Some minor temporary bruising, numbness, or redness may be noticed around the injection sites.
- Do not rub or clean the treated areas for 3 days; As this can cause the material to move to another area.
- When applying makeup, do not press or rub it.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for two hours, sunbathing and sauna for two days, and it is preferable to stay upright for several hours after the injection.