BOTOX
Botox
Botox is probably the commonest drug used for cosmetic purposes.
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The substance “botulium toxoid” (Botox ) has been around for almost 50 years – but has only been used for cosmetic purposes for about 20 years. It is administered as a small injection- in fact, special ultra-thin needles have been invented to make it a painless, walk-in/walk-out procedure.
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It works by weakening or paralyzing small muscles – but also works on certain glands and can be used for
hyperhidrosis, (excess sweating-especially underarm ) where the effect lasts for 6-9 months but requires a bigger dose.
Some really good news from recent research indicates that botox may actually prevent wrinkles from occurring!
It is particularly useful for the following;
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frown lines (glabella )- especially those vertical lines adjacent to the eyebrows. (shown on frowning )
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crows feet lines – this is by far the best treatment for crows feet lines
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marionette lines – these are the sad lines around, or at the corners of the mouth
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forehead wrinkles (worry lines ) – botox is a very effective treatment for forehead wrinkles
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shaping the eyebrow – botox can be used to shape and improve the position of the eyebrows. As one ages, the brow descends, especially the outside of the brow giving a tired look
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botox may be used to soften the vertical lines on the upper lip. These lines are more prominent in smokers
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botox is less commonly used, but is also effective for the central neck creases – ie usually 2 lines in the middle of the neck which are more obvious with talking or swallowing
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bunny lines – these are little lines visible on the nose when you sniff, for example
Botox usually works within a week but may take even longer ie 10 days to 2 weeks to reach its maximum effect. Perhaps its biggest disadvantage is the need for repeated injections – as it only lasts about 3 months. However with repeated injections ( ie regular botox treatment for about a year ) the length of time between injections increase
Botox is administered with a very tiny needle, and if given correctly should not be painful. Bruising is an uncommon complication. About 5 % of patients need a touch-up – performed 2 weeks after the initial injection.