BOTOX FAQ

What is Botox?

Botox is a trade name derived from the name of a bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botox is a neurotoxic protein, a toxin that acts specifically on nerve cells by interacting with membrane proteins. It is administered through injection. Botox injection is a watered down form of Botulinum that is injected into the muscles thus blocking the nerve impulses causing paralysis and weakens muscles that are responsible for the formation of wrinkles. This process is the most common non-surgical and non- invasive cosmetic procedure performed in the United States.

Who needs Botox?

Given the highly technological devices globalization offers, people nowadays seek out instant things such as food, communication, transportation and now beauty – including Botox treatment. Botox serves both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. The following are entitled to go through the procedure:

• People (no older than 65 years old and no younger than 18 years old) who want to improve their frown lines such as forehead wrinkles,   wrinkles around the eyes, smile lines, wrinkles around the mouth, and neck wrinkles.

• Persons experiencing cervical dystonia (CD)- an unending neurological movement disorder that causes the neck to involuntarily turn to the   left, right, upwards, and/or downwards.

• Those who have eye muscle problems (strabismus) or abnormal contraction of the eyelids (blepharospasm) in people twelve years old and   above

• People suffering from severe underarm sweating

• Persons diagnosed with diseases or injuries affecting the nerves or nerve cells

• Those who have migraine and other headache problems

• People who losses the ability to move food down the esophagus or fails to relax properly in response to swallowing (Achalasia)

• Persons who are said or have reached the level of obesity

• Chronic back pain

• Men with enlarged prostates

The following conditions use Botox in the treatment of certain disorders but have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration:

• Anal fissure (inborn tear or crack in the skin of anal canal)

• Focal dystonia or the undesirable muscular contraction

• Brain disorders leading to sustained spasms, stiffness, and rigidity such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and the like

• Excessive salivation

• Diabetic Neuropathy

• Wound healing

• Vocal Cord Dysfunction

How Does Botox Work?

The Botulinum toxin Type A, simply Botox, is named as a selective muscle denervation. It primarily acts to the area where the nerves get in contact with the muscles which is termed as neuromuscular junction. As the nerve is being activated, it will then send impulses and command the muscles to contract leading to muscle paralysis. When the neuromuscular junction has already been set in motion, it will cause the chemical called Acetylcholine to be released and to be binded to the muscle side of the junction thus leading to more chemical reactions making the muscle to eventually contract. The toxin blocks functions by inhibiting acetylcholine receptors on the muscle side of the junction. Just before it is being released, the nerve has already sent a signal to contract hence the chemical could no longer bind elsewhere on the muscle which was already paralyzed but is not damaged. The blockade of the acetylcholine is irreversible and actually starts within 48 hours. The result of such Botox injection will be obvious from 5 to 10 days. And for the following 3 to 5 months, the muscles will slowly make up again new receptor sites and will eventually result again to contraction. The Botox treatment only affects muscle nerves and not nerves of sensation. Hence, patients do not actually experience a loss of feeling in the area that is being treated.

What are the Risks Involved in Botox Treatments?

Although the Botox Treatment has lots of benefits, there are still risks involved in the treatment basically because there are some side effects after the treatment. The following are some of the side effects brought about by the treatment:

• Dry mouth

• Discomfort or pain/tingling and bruising at the injection site

• Tiredness

• Headache

• Neck pain

• Eye problems which include double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of eyelids, and drying of the eyes

• Symptoms of an allergic reaction

• Cosmetic may involve: itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint

• Problems in swallowing (may last for months), speaking, or breathing- this is due to the weakening of associated muscles which is severe   and can result in loss of life

• The Botox treatment may result to general muscle weakness and loss of strength due to the spread of toxin

• Symptoms of an allergic reaction

• Hoarseness/ change/ or loss of voice (dysphonia)

• Problems with saying words clearly (dysarthria)

• Loss of bladder control

This procedure is not even recommended if the patient is pregnant or has neuromuscular disorders. Remember that side effects go along with the procedures and the benefits still overshadow and outweigh the side effects involved in the treatment. And so long as the surgeon who will be performing the procedure is equipped with knowledge and skills and is well informed of one’s medical history, there’s no need to be apprehensive