Author-Dr Aparna Pandya (Mrs India Vivacious 2019)

What Is Botox?

Botox is an age old remedy which has been used for years to treat wrinkles and facial creases. Botox is a brand name of a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. Botox was the first injectable botulinum toxin and hence gained popularity among people and became a familiar name.

Are there other types of botulinum toxins?

There are different brand names for botulinum toxin injections. Not all products treat the same problems. In addition to Botox, options include:

• Dysport® (AbobotulinumtoxinA).
• Xeomin® (IncobotulinumtoxinA).
• Jeauveau® (PrabotulinumtoxinA).

Indications of using Botox:

Botox is used routinely to reduce the appearance of face wrinkles. However, getting a Botox shot can help treat other conditions, such as:

• Severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms
• Blinking that you can’t control (blepharospasm)
• Eyes that point in different directions (strabismus)
• Chronic migraine
• Overactive bladder

Mechanism of action of botox:

Botox acts by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. Thus preventing the injected muscle from contracting. This inturn makes wrinkles relax and soften. The effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating.

Botox is most often used to treat forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines. However, Botox won’t help with wrinkles caused by sun damage.

Botox Procedure

The procedure is relatively short and does not require anaesthesia. The practitioner uses a small needle to inject Botox into specific muscles. The procedure involves only minor discomfort. It may take 7 to 14 days to take full effect. It is advised to avoid alcohol starting at least 1 week before the procedure. The patient should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications 2 weeks before treatment to help prevent bruising.

Side effects:

The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. One could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. Botox should not be used in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Is it safe to get Botox and the COVID-19 vaccine?

There are no known cases concerning Botox and COVID-19 vaccine reactions. It is strongly recommended that you get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one is eligible, whether or not one has had Botox.