Botox: The Secret to a Youthful Glow

Dr Youth Clinic
Nov 1, 2023
6 min read

What is Botox®?

Botox injections are shots that use a toxin to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited time. These shots are often used to smooth wrinkles on the face. They're also used to treat neck spasms, sweating, overactive bladder, lazy eye and other conditions. Botox shots also may help prevent migraine.

The medicine in Botox injections is made from the same toxin that causes a type of food poisoning called botulism. But the forms of purified botulinum toxin used by licensed health care providers meet medical control standards. These standards were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a rule, the bacteria toxins used for medical purposes are not harmful if used correctly.

How does Botox work?

Botox shots block certain chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract. The most common use of these injections is to relax the facial muscles that cause frown lines and other facial wrinkles.

Botox injections also are used to ease symptoms of some health conditions. It's not a cure. Examples of medical conditions that might be treated with Botox injections include:

Neck spasms. In this painful condition, the neck muscles contract in an uncontrolled way. This causes the head to twist or turn into an uncomfortable position. The condition also is called cervical dystonia.
Other muscle spasms. Cerebral palsy and other conditions of the nervous system can cause the limbs to pull in toward the center of the body. Muscle spasms also can cause eye twitching.
Lazy eye. The most common cause of lazy eye is an imbalance in the muscles used for moving the eye. Lazy eye also is called crossed eyes or misaligned eyes.
Sweating. Botox might be used for a condition in which people sweat a lot even when they're not hot or working up a sweat. It's called excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.
Migraine. Botox injections may help reduce how often you get a migraine. This treatment is used mainly for people who have headaches 15 or more days a month. When you get serious headaches that often, the condition is called chronic migraine. Treatment is needed about every three months to retain the benefit.
Bladder problems. Botox shots can also help reduce urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder.

Risks

Botox injections are usually safe when you're under the care of a licensed and skilled health care provider. The procedure can result in unwanted results or even cause harm if it's given incorrectly. Possible side effects and unwanted results include:

Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.
Headache or flu-like symptoms.
Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
A crooked smile or drooling.
Watery or dry eyes.
Infection at the injection site.

Rarely, the medicine may spread to parts of the body where it isn't supposed to go. It can cause symptoms there. Call our doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms hours or weeks after your procedure:

Muscle weakness.
Vision problems.
Trouble talking or swallowing.
Breathing problems.
Allergic reaction.
Loss of bladder control.

As a rule, health care providers don't recommend Botox if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Select your health care provider carefully

Botox is a prescription medicine and must be used only under the care of a licensed and skilled health care provider. Talk with our DR Youth Clinic doctor’s about whether the procedure fits your needs.

How you prepare

Which type of botulinum injection is right for you depends on your needs and condition. Talk with DR Youth Clinic doctors about the treatment best suited to you.

Tell our doctor if you've had any type of Botox injection within the past four months. Also tell our doctor if you take blood thinners. You may need to stop taking them several days before your injection to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising. Talk with the DR Youth Clinic expert who prescribes these medicines as soon as you can.

What you can expect

Before the procedure

Most people don't feel much pain during the procedure. But you may want your skin numbed beforehand, especially if your palms or feet are being treated for heavy sweating. Our doctors might use one or more of the following methods to numb the area: anesthetic applied to the skin, ice and massage. The massage method also is called vibration anesthesia.

During the procedure

Intradermal Botox injection

Botox injections are usually performed in a clinic or hospital. Our doctor uses a thin needle to inject tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin or muscles. The number of shots needed depends on the size of the treatment area and other things. Sometimes ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the right spot.

Botulinum toxin is available in two forms:

Type A. Type A is mainly used for treating facial wrinkles. Type A products include onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport), incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin), daxibotulinumtoxinA (Daxxify) and prabotulinumtoxinA (Jeuveau).
Type B. Type B is often the first choice for treating neck spasms. It's sold as rimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc).

After the procedure

Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours. And don't lie down for 2 to 4 hours after getting the shots. Following this advice helps prevent the toxin from spreading to an area where it isn't needed. You'll likely be able to return to your usual activities right after the procedure.

Results

Botox injections usually begin working 1 to 3 days after treatment, though it can take a week or more to see full results.

Depending on the problem being treated, the effect may last 3 to 4 months. To maintain the effect, you'll likely need regular follow-up injections spaced at least three months apart.

FAQ:

Can Botox help reduce pain?

Yes. Many healthcare providers recommend Botox for pain management. Botox blocks nerve signals that control muscle activity, resulting in relaxation and pain relief.

Botox injections can be successful in treating:

Back pain.

Neck pain.

Jaw pain.

Nerve pain.

Sciatica pain.

Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy).

Pelvic pain.

Chronic myofascial pain (CMP).

Osteoarthritis.

Joint pain.

TMJ pain.

What should I expect during Botox treatment?

Your healthcare provider uses a fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the treatment area. Depending on the issue, you may receive several injections in different spots. Here’s what else you need to know about Botox therapy:

Botox is an outpatient procedure. You’ll be able to go home the same day.

Discomfort is usually mild. The injections may sting and feel uncomfortable, but the procedure is over quickly. Your healthcare provider might apply a topical numbing agent to your skin before giving injections.

You may be given anesthesia. If you’re receiving injections for an overactive bladder, you may receive local or regional anesthesia.

How long does it take for Botox to work?

After Botox treatment, most people notice the desired effects around the third or fourth day. Full results will be visible within 10 to 14 days.

How long does Botox last?

Within three to six months after Botox therapy, toxins wear off and muscles regain movement. As a result, wrinkles return and issues like migraines and sweating may resume. To maintain results, you may choose to receive more Botox injections. Our DR Youth Clinic doctors can let you know how often to undergo Botox treatment.

Does Botox hurt?

The needles used for Botox injections are extremely small. As a result, most people experience little to no discomfort during treatment. Some individuals describe a slight pinching or stinging sensation. If you’re worried about pain, your healthcare provider can apply a topical numbing gel.

Can you get Botox while pregnant?

Botox injections aren’t likely to harm your baby. Still, most healthcare providers recommend waiting until after you’ve given birth to undergo treatment.

Can you get Botox while breastfeeding?

Experts aren’t sure whether or not Botox ends up in breast milk. To ensure the safety of your baby, most healthcare providers advise against getting Botox injections while breastfeeding.

Does insurance cover Botox?

Health insurance policies vary, so always check with your insurance provider. Most health insurers cover treatments for migraines, urinary incontinence or other medical conditions. Insurers don’t typically cover Botox injections for cosmetic purposes.

How to Reach DR Youth Clinic?

Chennai Branch:

JP Anupam Tower, No.126, 1st Floor, D Block,

Anna Nagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600 102

Website : dryouthclinic.co.in

Email Id : dryouthclinic2021@gmail.com

Telephone : +91 90433 02224

Bangalore Branch:

1st Floor, Ave Maria, No 305, Nehru Rd, 3rd Block,

St Thomas Town, Kammanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084

Website : dryouthclinic.co.in

Email Id : dryouthclinicbangalore@gmail.com