Most people are familiar with the word Botox, but what really is Botox?
Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a substance which inhibits muscle movement once it is injected into the skin. Most individuals only know it as an antiaging treatment, but did you know that it is also to treat excessive sweating, or to treat an array of other ailments?
While research into all its uses is still on going, some of the common issues it treats include: excessive sweating, muscular disorders, migraines and some bladder and bowel disorders.
Botox is related to a naturally occurring poison which can occasionally be found in bad meat products. However, as the product used for medical and cosmetic purposes is purified and administered only in tiny doses, when injected by a qualified health professional, it is relatively safe. In tiny doses, when injected into muscles, it causes targeted paralysis of the muscle. It can therefore be used in a number of different sites for desired results.
Are Botox Injections Safe?
Although Botox treatment is relatively safe, it should always be injected by a qualified medical professional so as to ensure that you are receiving the correct amount at the right area. Being treated by someone who is not an expert in this field could lead to in injection into non muscular tissue which poses a health risk or, even if injected into muscular tissue at the wrong place, could lead to muscle drooping, asymmetrical results, frozen expressions or an angrier/grumpier expression among others.
Botox As An Antiaging Treatment
The face is the first place that will start to show the signs of aging. These include wrinkles around the eyes, cheeks, forehead and lips. Some individuals may feel that wrinkles make them look older or tired even though they are a normal feature of the human face.
Botox injections reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing certain facial muscles. After the treatment, the wrinkles tend to become less visible for a certain period.
An anaesthetic cream may be first rubbed on the treatment area so as to numb it. Botox is then injected into the specific facial muscle and the procedure takes only a few minutes. Once Botox is injected in to the skin, it blocks certain nerve signals which contract muscles. The muscles then relax, hence reducing the visibility of wrinkles. You should be able to resume your day to day activities immediately after the procedure as there is no down time.
The results will start to show after about three days as the muscles start to relax and the optimal results should be seen within a week. The results last for about 3 to 6 months after which you can go back for another treatment.
Botox For Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis can be a very uncomfortable and embarrassing issue. This type of sweating occurs in unusual situations such as in cooler weather or without any trigger at all. Fortunately Botox is an FDA approved treatment for excessive sweating of the underarms, palms of the hand and soles of feet. It works by preventing the release of the chemical that signals the sweat glands to activate. Although several treatments are needed, the results can last for almost a year.
Botox is also used to treat other issues such as:
- Chronic migraines. Botox is FDA approved to treat chronic migraines and research has shown that it is effective at migraine prevention.
- Strabismus. Also known as crossed eyes, Botox has been treating this condition since the 1970’s by changing the position of the eyes thus causing them to refocus.
- Muscle spasms. Botox is also approved and known to treat muscle spasms in the eyelids, neck, face, shoulder and upper body.
Side effects of Botox include pain, bruising or swelling on the injection site but these tend to fade away quickly.
Candidates for Botox injections need to be healthy and over 18 years of age. They should also have realistic expectations.
Book Your Appointment For A Consultation
Would you like to understand what the best options for a younger, fresher, better-looking you are? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation, to develop a tailor-made plan for having botox injections in Dubai. Contact us or Book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.
