Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a purified form of botulinum toxin that works by blocking nerve endings that cause muscle contractions.
Botox injection is a simple procedure that involves small injections using an extremely fine needle, after numbing the skin with numbing cream. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and most patients have it done during their lunch breaks. The Botox takes about 3 – 4 days to take effect, with the maximum result obtained by the 7th – 10th day. The effect usually lasts 3 – 6 months, with the effect slowly wearing off and the muscle movement and the lines gradually reappearing. The procedure can be safely repeated at a regular basis.
Wrinkles and creases
With age and sun exposure, all layers of the skin become thinner. Contraction of the facial muscles will then result in wrinkles and creases appearing on the face. They manifest as crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead lines.
When Botox is injected into specific muscles, it causes temporary paralysis of these muscles and smooths out the overlying wrinkles. Facial expression will not be affected.
Facial contouring
Many people have square jaws not because of the shape of their jaw bones, but as a result of over-developed bite muscles known as masseters. It is often due to excessive chewing and grinding of the teeth.
When Botox is injected into the masseter muscles, these muscles shrink. The result is a smoother and slimmer contour of the lower face.
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Sweat glands require stimulation from nerves in order to secrete sweat. When Botox is injected into problem areas such as the armpit (axilla) and palms, it prevents the sweat glands in these areas from being stimulated. As a result, there will be no sweating in these areas.
In the media
The Sunday Times May 27 2012 – Nip and tuck during lunch
Amica August/September 2010 – Makeover Miracle
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