Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein, and its seven main types range from A to G. Botulinum toxin types A and B are used in medicine, including aesthetic treatments. It is naturally produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species, and a human body can get affected by it due to infection or ingesting food containing the toxin. It can also prove to be lethal. However, when administered in regulated manner under expert supervision, it prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction. This results in flaccid paralysis, which means the muscles cannot contract at all. 

Ageing is a natural process and results in wrinkles on the skin. By injecting an appropriate dose of botulinum toxin Type A into the facial muscle, an aesthetic professional can help you achieve smoother, wrinkle-free skin in the targeted areas. Since the toxin prevents the muscle from contracting, it prevents lines from forming on the surface, smoothens existing wrinkles and gives your skin a rejuvenated and younger look. 

Freeze The Frame

Botox is generally used to decrease the lines on the forehead, glabellar lines or the frown lines between the eyes, which are also known as elevens and crow’s feet or the crinkling of skin around the corners of the eyes. It is important for your dermatologist to know which are the facial areas that respond best to botox as it cannot be indiscriminately used to treat wrinkles. Use of botox to treat lines on the lower face is not a good idea as it leads to weakening of the muscles, and can lead to changes in your facial expression and difficulties in movement of the mouth. 

The effects of botox injections appear a few days after they have been administered, and will last up to three to four months. After the results fade away and the muscles are restored, you can again opt for botox injections to achieve the desired look. This treatment falls under the umbrella of ‘lunch-time procedures’ as there is no downtime. The side effects that you might notice is bruising and swelling at the injection site, soreness and short-term headaches. The practitioner will prescribe topical or ingestible medication to take care of these symptoms, which are usually minor and transient. 

Botox is a proprietary name of botulinum toxin that is owned by the company Allergan. In India, some of the other popular brands are Dysport by Galderma and Xeomin by Merz. The choice of brand is up to the discretion of the dermatologist but the quantity administered for specific facial zones is standardised. It is therefore important to go to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for botox injections. You are less likely to have complications, such as droopy eyelid or ptosis, and get better and longer lasting results when the procedure is performed by experienced practitioners. Apart from a thorough consultation, there is no other prep required on your part before you go for a botox shot. The doctor, however, has to take into account a number of factors about you including your lifestyle, job requirements, eating habits and sun exposure before scheduling this treatment for you.

The Age Factor

People seeking relief from wrinkles and fine lines and wanting to appear younger are the ideal candidates for botulinum toxin procedures. As a cosmetic treatment, it is given only to people above the age 18. It is strictly not given to pregnant and lactating women. In adults, there is no age bar for the use of botulinum toxin, so even people in their early 20s can opt for it, if they so desire. However, aesthetic practitioners would advise younger people to opt for other non-invasive treatments for skin rejuvenation rather than starting them off on botox. 

In case of men and women above the age of 60 years, botulinum toxin injections can be given to address wrinkles on the aesthetic practitioner’s advice. Overall health concerns and contraindications should be taken into due consideration. Also, the effects of the injections will vary, depending on a number of age-related factors. 

Medically speaking, botulinum toxin is also used to address other issues such as chronic migraine, cervical dystonia, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, eye muscle condition and bladder issues. Upon the doctor’s consultation, in treating these conditions botulinum toxin can also be used in children. 

Botulinum toxin is one of the important anti-ageing procedures in a dermatologist’s arsenal. Using it prudently as per the patient’s requirement is the key to giving you a younger look.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.