Dr. Michael Sheill – Ten Things You Should Know About Botox

What is Botox?
Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a chemical produced by the botulinum bacterial Botox. It is a protein derivative of the toxin, which, when injected into a muscle, causes it to become weak or inactivated. It stops the signal from the nerve to the muscle preventing the muscle from contracting.

How does is work?
The human skin gets creased in areas of greatest use. Ageing causes slowdown of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older. These areas of over-use are damaged easily and permanent lines are formed. Creasing can be stopped by reducing the movement of muscles in these areas. It allows time for recovery and lines to soften and fade away. The results vary from person to person depending on the dose used.

Is Botox right for me?
Botox can be used by most adults, both men or women. It shouldn’t be used by children. It is becoming popular with people in their 20s to prevent expression lines. Among the aged users Botox is used for muscle relaxation causing lines to fade and even disappear. It is mostly used between the brows, forehead furrows and crows feet. It should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding woman. Patients with neurological disorder should also prevent it.

How long has Botox been in use?
Since 1978, Botox has been used to treat patients with eye splints by weakening the over-active eye muscle. It has been used to treat spasmodic neck, writers cramp, multiple sclerosis, facial spasm, Parkinson’s Disease and cerebral palsy, to name a few.

The many uses of Botox?
Botox injections helps reducing signs of ageing like lines and wrinkles caused by contractions of muscles especially those activated when we are frowning or squinting. It reduces frown lines between the brows, forehead furrows, and lines at the outer edge of the eye. It is also used to treat excessive sweating under the armpits and migraine.

What happens during the treatment?
Dr. Sheill performs a full assessment in order to maximize the benefit of the injection. He will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work. A short needle is used to inject the Botox in small quantities into the muscles that are creating the furrows. The discomfort is negligible.

How long does the procedure take?
A Botox injection procedure does not take long and takes 5-10 minutes. Many take it during lunch breaks.

How long does the treatment last?
The effect normally starts after 4 to 14 days depending on individuals and lasts for 3 to 6 months.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects are rare but occasional drooping of eyelid occurs in some which may last for weeks but resolves. There are special eye drops to treat it in such cases. In extremely rare cases patients have developed an allergy to the treatment. Most patients can immediately resume normal activities, although there may be some swelling, bleeding, bruising or redness at the injection site which lasts for 24-48 hours in extreme cases.

How much does the treatment cost?
The price of Botox varies depending on the number of units used and areas injected.