Botox is short for botulinum toxin and is a cosmetic procedure that has a long history of efficacy and excellent safety profile in reducing dynamic expression lines such as the frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. There is also a role for botox in the reduction of jaw muscle size, treating excessive sweatiness of the underarms and palms, and even the treatment of chronic migraine.
– How does it work?
Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the target muscles and hence reduces muscle activity in key areas and this results in decreased wrinkling of the overlying skin. Botox usually takes 1-2 weeks to take effect and lasts 4 to 6 months, after which the injections have to be repeated to maintain the results.
| Benefits of Botox: | Implications of Botox: |
| ▪️ A non-invasive procedure with minimal pain and downtime | ▪️ Dosage sensitive. Overdosage can lead to “stiff” look |
| ▪️ Visible and effective results within 1-2 weeks |
▪️ Risk of spreading to wrong muscles and cause side effects such as: asymmetrical smile/ eyebrow ptosis etc. The risk is significantly higher with higher dosages |
| ▪️ Can help to prevent progression and worsening of wrinkles | ▪️ Needs to be maintained regularly as effects only last 4-6 months on average |
| ▪️ Temporary effects which lasts 4-6 months after which normal muscle activity will return |
– Is Botox safe for everyone?
Botox is a tried and proven therapy that has excellent results in anti-aging/wrinkle treatment and is usually very safe. The procedure itself is also non-invasive with almost no downtime or pain. Personally, I advocate the use of botox early so that wrinkles can be prevented from progressing. It is important to note that once wrinkles become static or permanent (i.e. no longer dependent on facial expression) then the effectiveness of botox will greatly be diminished.
The appropriate selection of dosage amounts as well as a brand of injectable botox is also crucial to minimize the risk of side effects such as looking excessively expressionless as well as paralysis of the wrong muscles which may result in droopy eyebrows or asymmetrical smile.
Remember that too much of a good thing is usually a bad thing!
AUTHOR: Dr. Ng Hong Yi, Aesthetic Doctor, Cove Aesthetic Clinic