A few years back, the mere mention of Botox injections would be frowned upon, but nowadays, getting a few of those injections has become as easy as grabbing a Starbucks on your way to the office. Although Botox has not been completely embraced (I still see a raised eyebrow or two whenever I mention it in some circles), the movement is growing; and more people (men and women) are willing to try it out. Still, there are those who are a tad bit in the dark about Botox injections.
For instance, I’ve met people who pout their lips (duck lips) whenever I mention Botox, thinking it’s used to make lips bigger, which is completely false. To help you understand more about this toxin (yes it’s a toxin), I had a chat with Dr. Faisal Salim, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Dubai, who answered some burning questions regarding Botox injections.
FB: What exactly is Botox?
Dr. Faisal: Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. If used in large amounts, Botox can cause botulism, which is a form of muscle paralysis and is usually associated with food poisoning. But in our always evolving world, scientists discovered a way to use it to human advantage. If used in small, diluted amounts it can be directly injected into specific muscles, causing controlled relaxation of the muscles.
READ MORE:Brotox: Is it Just for Vanity or to Make one Look Less Grumpy?
FB: What are Botox injections used for?
Dr. Faisal: Botox injections can be used to relax muscles on the forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, chin (for dimpling), skin bands on the neck, and around the mouth. But, if your wrinkles are caused by sun damage and gravity, the injections will not often respond to Botox. Also, it is important to re-emphasize that Botox is NOT a facial filler (that is, it does not fill existing wrinkles) – it merely relaxes the muscles that are creating those wrinkles. It can also be injected into the armpits to treat severe sweating or hyperhidrosis. It can also be used to treat migraines. Some people have even used Botox injections to treat an overactive bladder.
FB: What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Dr. Faisal: Botox and fillers are not the same thing, nor do they treat the same conditions. Depending on your treatment desires, your plastic surgeon may choose to use either Botox or fillers, or they may decide to use both to achieve different goals.
Botox, as mentioned above, is a drug made from botulinum toxin that can be used for a variety of health reasons. For aesthetic purposes, Botox injections are used to smooth out wrinkles and creases in the forehead, between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet. It works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, and can last anywhere from three to six months.
Injectable dermal fillers, on the other hand, are a minimally-invasive way of temporarily restoring fullness to the face, especially around the eyes, in the lips, and in marionette lines. The aging process causes a loss of volume throughout the face, which results in a hollowed appearance that can make you look older than you already are.
SEE: All you need to know about dermal fillers.
Although Botox injections and dermal fillers are temporary, the results are usually highly visible. Botox and fillers are an excellent, affordable approach to looking younger and rejuvenated without surgery, but only if the process is done by an experienced and board-certified artistic plastic surgeon.
FB: Which is the main rule to follow if you choose to undergo Botox injections?
Dr. Faisal: Always make sure the injector is either a board-certified plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. They need to be experienced and use a reputable brand in addition to being familiar with the latest techniques of Botox injections. Also, remember that cheap is always expensive!
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