Myths about Botox

They say – ‘Wisdom comes with age’. Unfortunately, so do wrinkles. Life’s experiences become
the laugh lines around your eyes and mouth, and the wrinkles on your forehead.
In the 21st century, people are living longer, and are healthier, but they want their skin to look
younger as well. Although we cannot turn back the clock and make them younger, but, we can surely
make them ‘look’ younger.

Men and women seeking to reverse the flow of time are constantly seeking quicker, safer and less
invasive options than the traditional face-lifts. Botox is that option. It is a ‘Face- Lift’ in a bottle.


Q: What is Botox?
A: Botox in its natural state is a toxin. But the Botox which is used for the treatment of wrinkles is
a purified form, which is non-toxic i.e absolutely not harmful.

Q: How does it remove the wrinkles?
A: Botox is injected in minute amounts into the muscles which cause crows feet, frown lines, and
the lines on the forehead. These lines on the skin are caused by the over activity of the muscles. When
Botox is injected into these muscles, it temporarily relaxes them, hence preventing their contractions.
This prevents the formation of the lines on the skin. Therefore Botox is very effective even before the
frown lines are formed.

Q: After the Botox injections, is it necessary to stay indoors?
A: No! Botox injections only take 10 minutes to be administered. After the Botox injections, a
mild swelling may occur, which goes down in 10-20 minutes. The wrinkles start disappearing within
3-7 days. A person can come in, take the injection and go shopping or to the office immediately
thereafter.

Q: Is it painful? Is Botox given under anaesthesia?
A: Botox injections are given with a very thin needle. The pain is described as an ‘ant-bite’. No
local anaesthesia is required.

Q: Where is Botox injected?
A: It is injected into the muscles that are responsible for the wrinkles. It is very effective for the
horizontal forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet at the sides of the eyes.
Nowadays, it is proving effective in treating the neck lines too.

Q: Does the effect of Botox last forever?
A: No! The effect of Botox injection lasts for 4-6 months. Generally Botox injections need to be
given 2-3 times in 1 year. Repeated treatments need to be given at longer intervals and lesser amounts
of Botox is needed with every successive treatment.

Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: It takes about 10 minutes. Therefore it is known as the ‘lunch time’ procedure. It’s like coming
to the clinic looking tired and worn out and going out looking fresh, rested and with softened facial
expressions.

Q: What are the side effects?
In less than 2% of the patients, Botox can produce drooping of eyelids. This is temporary and
lasts up to 10 days to 2 weeks. Some may get bruising at the site of injection and headache which is
temporary and disappears within a few days.

Q: Will Botox cause an expressionless face?
A: No! The amount of Botox used is just enough to relax the muscles. The face is always under
treated and not over treated, so as to give an expressionless face. Therefore it is imperative to take
Botox from a trained Dermatologist or Plastic surgeon.

Q: What is the cost of the Botox injection?
A: The cost depends on the area where Botox is injected. It approximately costs between Rs. 5000
– 7000 per sitting.

Q: How popular is Botox?
A: It is very popular, since it does not involve any anaesthesia or surgery. It is quick, safe and
very effective in temporarily removing the wrinkles and giving the face a smoother, softer and
younger look.