Currently, the beauty and cosmetic market is flooded with various treatments that help you look a certain way. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), radiofrequency, threads, botox, and fillers, to name a few are all available as great makeover treatments. Amongst them, botox is the most-widely used cosmetic treatment for looking young, and getting rid of wrinkles and other age-related signs. But getting botox for the first time can be nerve-racking, given the hearsay around the topic. Here we address every important question you may have about the botox treatment: What it is, how it works, how long will the results last, and how much it costs.

What is botox and how does it work? 

Botox is a widely-used, non-invasive cosmetic treatment that smoothens out fine lines on the injected area. It can also be used around the jaw and neck, as well as to treat certain medical conditions.

Botox injections contain a neurotoxin protein called ‘bacterium clostridium botulinum,’ which temporarily relaxes your facial muscles by blocking certain nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract.

If you are considering botox for cosmetic purposes, it can help you get rid of:

• Lines around the outer corner of the eyes (crow’s feet)
• Sagging skin around the neck (turkey neck)
• Frown lines
• Droopy lip corners
• Forehead lines
• Acne

Botox can also help treat underlying muscular conditions, such as:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Cervical dystonia (neck spasms) 
• Eye twitching
• Muscle contractures from certain neurological conditions like cerebral palsy
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Chronic migraine
• Bladder dysfunction

Usually, you can see the results within one to three days of a botox treatment, and the effect may last three months or more, depending on the problem you are treating.

What are the risks?

Since botox is a non-invasive, FDA approved cosmetic treatment, there are hardly any risks involved. Usually, there’s some bruising or swelling involved post-treatment, but it goes away after a day. However, botox treatment is a medical procedure, and should not be done by untrained professionals or in unsanitary conditions. This could lead to an infection by the toxin with symptoms such as:

• Flu-like symptoms or headache
• Excessive tearing or dryness in the eyes
• Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
• Droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows
• Drooling or crooked smile 
• Breathing problems
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Loss of bladder control

Usually, these symptoms are very unlikely in a healthy body, however, in case you experience any of the above signs, contact your doctor immediately.  

How to prepare for botox treatment? 

Botox is a safe and non-invasive treatment with little to no downtime. However, to avoid any complications, make sure you follow these tips: 

• Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medications: Muscle relaxants, sleeping aids, allergy medications and blood thinners. Those consuming blood thinners may need to stop the medication a few days prior to botox treatment, to avoid bruising and bleeding post
• Inform your doctor if you’ve had any type of botox treatment in the last four months
• You may ask for anaesthesia (topical/vibration/ice) if you want your skin numbed beforehand
• The number of botox injections may vary, depending on the extent of the area and purpose of the treatment
• Do not massage or rub the treated areas for 24 hours

Botox aftercare is low maintenance, and the effects last anywhere from 2-6 months before you need another botox injection. It is FDA approved, so it’s safe to use. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not get botox treatments.

How much does botox treatment cost?

A single session of a full face botox treatment that covers fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and forehead, can cost anywhere between Rs. 15000 – Rs. 18000. But if you opt for a localised botox treatment, for instance to reduce the lines around the outer corner of the eyes (crow’s feet), a single botox injection can cost anywhere between Rs. 5000 – Rs. 6000. Hence, your nominal cost for a single session will be about Rs.1000 per month.

Key takeaway

Getting botox for the first time can be nerve-wrecking, especially since there’s so much hearsay around the topic. Some say it’s vain and invasive, others call it an extreme. But this post aims to demystify the treatment for you, so you can make an informed choice. Botox is a temporary measure, it doesn’t erase your wrinkle lines permanently. You may have to get botox again after a few months, if you want to maintain post-treatment aesthetics. Also, there’s post-treatment care involved. You can’t exercise, lie down, exercise or take any blood thinners for the next six hours. This could increase bruising at the injection sites.

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.