Botox is a brand name of a purified toxin produced by a form of bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum. Scientists have developed a method of diluting the toxin so that it loses its toxic properties while retaining its ability to cause muscle relaxation and smoothening of wrinkles.
When Botox is injected into a muscle it acts by blocking signals from the nerves causing muscle contractions. The muscle no longer contracts forcefully and hence the wrinkle lines are softened.
Specific muscles are selected for the procedure to provide maximum cosmetic benefit. The muscles are injected with a fine needle. There is no need for anesthesia as only minimal discomfort is produced.
It generally takes 3-7 days, but in some cases 2 weeks.
The Botox effect lasts around 4-6 months. With repeated injections, the wrinkle lines appear less severe as the muscles are trained to relax.
Transient bruising and slight pain. Headache is a rare side effect of Botox that lasts a day or two.
Breastfeeding, pregnancy, neurological disease, allergy to Botox.
