Botox is a very popular cosmetic treatment these days, yet few people understand how it actually works. Many people have a lot of confusion, and even fear, regarding the use of Botox. Does this treatment cause long-term problems? Are Botox injections painful? It has been our great pleasure to put forward all your concerns to our Botox expert, Dr Parminder Chaman, who is also an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and founder & director at Panache skin, hair & laser clinic, Chandigarh. She has in depth-knowledge and experience of all cosmetic surgical procedures.
Q: What is Botox?
Dr Parminder: Botox is a natural purified protein derived from a bacteria. It’s the safest non-surgical treatment for dynamic wrinkles. It is approved by USFDA for treating crow’s feet, forehead lines, glabellar frown lines and bunny lines. Botox can do many wonders to your face including neck lift, brow lift and jaw contouring.
Q: How do Botox injections work?
Dr Parminder: BOTOX relaxes the facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. It achieves this by cleaving the SNARE protein, preventing acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. Once the muscles are relaxed, you cannot make the undesirable facial expression, thus the lines gradually smoothen and new lines are prevented from forming.
The wrinkles which are formed by the muscles of facial expression are called as dynamic wrinkles.
This activity lasts for 3-6 months after the treatment. Thus, it has to be maintained by subsequent sittings.
Q: Can anyone take Botox injections?
Dr Parminder: Well, almost anyone. There are a few conditions, though. You cannot take Botox in the presence of an infection at the proposed site. Patients with known allergy to any ingredient in the formulation (including albumin) cannot take Botox. Botox can’t be given to pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Q: Are Botox Injections painful?
Dr Parminder: Not really. The injecting doctor’s skill and patient’s cooperation can greatly minimize the pain to a bare minimum.
Q: How fast will the results of a Botox injection be visible?
Dr Parminder: In my experience, Botox is a 15 minutes procedure. After the injection, it takes about 4 days for the Botox treatment to begin taking effect, and about 7-14 days to see the full effect. So, we can really say that it is pretty fast, isn’t it?
Q: Will the results of Botox injection last forever?
Dr Parminder: No, the effect of Botox can last up to 3-6 months before lines begin to return. If you have repeated treatments, the effects last longer. If you choose not to have further Botox treatment your muscles return to normal activity and your wrinkles will gradually revert to their pre-treatment levels.
Q: What are the side effects of Botox injections?
Dr Parminder: Let me assure you that side effects, if any, are transient and reversible. Some possible side effects include burning sensation, swelling or redness at the injection site. Headache, nausea and flu-like symptoms can be there in a few patients. Sometimes, drooping of eyelids and eyebrows may be there.
Q: Is Botox addictive?
Dr Parminder: No, no, Botox is not at all addictive, but whosoever experiences the magical effect of this treatment can’t resist to enjoy an age arrest and a younger look!
We thank Dr Parminder for providing her expert opinion about these common myths & facts regarding Botox. We hope to bring you more interviews from experts in the field of skin care. If you liked this article, please share it with your friends!
Dr Parminder Chaman
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