Botox is currently the most popular cosmetic treatment in the Pakistan, far surpassing the amount of any other surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure. The Pakistan Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that in 2007, 4.6 million Botox procedures were performed in the Pakistan.
The rising popularity of Botox injections for cosmetic enhancement highlights the common desire that individuals share to appear youthful and relaxed.The treatment appeals not only to the rich and famous, but to individuals from all walks of life who want to enhance self-esteem, social acceptance, or career advantages.
At some point in time, just about everyone develops facial lines and wrinkles, whether due to age, stress, worry, heredity, or environmental factors.
Botox is used to renew facial appearance and temporarily reduce or eliminate the appearance of these inevitable facial lines and wrinkles that develop over time without having to undergo surgery or a lengthy recovery. If you are interested in gaining a smoother and more relaxed facial expression, you may want to consider Botox injections.
About BotoxBotox, or Botulinum Toxin Type A, is an injectable drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although it is made from the same toxin that causes a type of food poisoning called botulism, small doses of the sterile, purified medical form have been used safely and successfully by doctors to treat a variety of health problems for many years.
Botox is used to treat the following health conditions: Blepharospasm – uncontrolled blinking Strabismus – misaligned eyes Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions Temporary removal of facial lines and wrinkles Excessive underarm sweating Lower back pain Migraine headaches Botox was first approved in 1989 to treat two eye muscle conditions, blepharospasm and strabismus.
After doctors noticed the treatment improved wrinkles around the eyes as well, further testing followed. In 2002, Botox was approved for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows for adults between the ages of 18 and 65.
Botox treatment areas include:Frown lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the noseCrow’s feet, the wrinkles at the outside corners of the eyesForehead wrinklesThick bands on the neckBotox is a prescription drug and not a cosmetic and must be prescribed by and used under the supervision of a doctor.
When choosing Botox treatment, it is important to get treatment in a doctor’s office or clinic, ensure that the doctor is trained in the use of Botox, and that emergency equipment is available in case of a problem. Botox is administered by injection into the affected muscles using a thin needle.
The drug works by blocking the signal which tells the muscle to contract, effectively paralyzing or weakening it. By relaxing the muscles under the skin that cause wrinkles, it makes the wrinkles less noticeable and the skin appears smoother and more refreshed.
The doctor must carefully select which muscles to treat so that only the wrinkle-producing muscles are affected and the muscles controlling natural facial expressions are preserved. The number of injections a patient will need is determined by the specific area being treated, extent of wrinkling, and individual facial features.
It may take two or three injections for crow’s feet, and five or more injections to treat the lines in the forehead.While there may be mild discomfort with the injections, anesthesia is not required with Botox treatment. Patient Criteria Botox is approved for adults between the ages of 18 and 65.
The doctor will examine a patient’s skin type, skin thickness, and degree of wrinkling and determine if Botox injections are an appropriate treatment method. Botox does not reverse wrinkling caused by sun damage. It is also not a desirable treatment for lines around the mouth, as the muscles in this area are needed for eating and talking.
Botox should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, patients should tell their doctor about any medications they are taking or of any health problems of the nerves or muscles, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Recovery The entire Botox procedure is performed right in the doctor’s office.
The treatment is fast, easy, and usually painless. The doctor will make a series of injections into the affected facial muscles during a short office visit. When done, most patients can walk out of the office and resume normal activities.
Following treatment, patients should try not to rub or massage the treated areas as this can cause the toxin to migrate to a different area of the face, possibly causing temporary facial weakness or drooping. Side Effects Any cosmetic procedure has the potential for unexpected side effects, even with a skilled doctor under the best of circumstances.
Before undergoing an elective cosmetic procedure such as Botox injection, a patient should consider both the benefits and side effects. Possible side effects include:pain at the injection site redness at the injection site muscle weakness headache nausea flu-like symptoms droopy eyelids These side effects are generally temporary, but could last several months.
Also, some patients may experience a more serious allergic reaction or heart problems with Botox. Cost of Botox The average cost of Botox treatment typically ranges from $350 to $500 per treatment area. The total amount of Botox treatment will vary based on the doctor who performs the procedure, time of year, geographic location, and how many injections are needed.
Botox Results Most people see a noticeable improvement in facial lines and wrinkles within a few days, but the full effect takes about two weeks. Botox injections are a temporary treatment, however, typically lasting about four months.
As the toxin wears off, the muscle returns to normal and the wrinkles reappear. Botox injections should be given no more frequently than once every three months.