What is BOTOX?

“BOTOX” is short for Botulinum Toxin, which is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. It has been used since 1920 but was marketed commercially in 1997. It has a wide variety of clinical uses, for people with blepharospasm, torticollis and strabismus of the eyes to name a few. It can also be used in hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of the palms or axillary areas. It was as a consequence of using botox for other problems on the face that its efficacy in getting rid of wrinkles was noted.

How does it work?

Don’t get put off by the word toxin! Botox interferes with transmission of the nerve impulse to muscles and hence stops the muscle working for a period of time. To be used effectively, it must be placed at a correct dosage into the correct muscle. There are a number of facial muscles, and it is the contraction of these that is responsible for facial wrinkling. Knowledge of the anatomy of these muscles will allow for safe placement of the toxin.

Are the injections painful?

Most people tolerate the injections very well. They are delivered through very fine gauge needles. However local anesthetic cream may be applied to the areas, one hour prior to treatment, for patients who are more sensitive. Ask your surgeon about this.

How long does it take to work?

The onset of action is between three to five days, but may take up to a week. Remember that the finer wrinkles will disappear straight away and the more established ones take more time. With regular usage one sometimes loses the habit of frowning altogether! If the wrinkles are very deep, ancillary treatment with filler materials about two weeks post injection may be necessary to achieve 100% result.

What are the side effects?

This is the key question. Side effects can occur and I ensure my patients are well aware of these. If for some reason the toxin moves to a muscle which is not a target muscle, such as the muscle which opens the eye or the ocular muscles which move the eye, then side effects can occur. These are rare and involve drooping of the eyelid, or double vision. Remember that the effects of Botox last only for four to six months at best, and when a really small dose causes a side effect, it usually reverses itself back to normal in three to four weeks.

How much does it cost?

The prices from clinic to clinic vary. At our centre, we charge Dhs. 100 per injection site. Typically six to eight injections are required for the eyes, five for the frown lines, and ten to twelve for the forehead lines.

Where do I get more information?

If you have further questions please feel free to contact the private clinic of Dr. Jaffer Khan on 9714 3499100. He will be more than happy to discuss with you any issues on which you may require clarification.