Botox injections have long been used in the world of beauty to tighten the skin and remove wrinkles. If you are interested in using Botox, first know its safety and side effects.
Botulinum toxin or botox is a drug made from bacteria Clostridium botulinum, namely bacteria that can cause botulism. In addition to beauty or aesthetics, Botox is also often used to treat certain medical conditions, such as nervous disorders.
In Indonesia, Botox is officially registered as a muscle relaxant in the category of hard drugs that can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription. The use of this drug must also be under the supervision of a doctor.
How Botox Injections Work
Botox works by blocking the activity of nerves and muscles, so that the muscles will weaken and become temporarily paralyzed. This is what makes wrinkles or wrinkles on the skin around the injection site appear reduced or even disappear.
The effects of botox are usually only felt a few days after the drug is injected and will last for 3-6 months. After that, gradually the muscles will contract again and wrinkles on the skin can reappear. Even so, the wrinkles are not as bad as before because the muscles will contract after a long time of being paralyzed.
The dose of botox and the area of skin that needs to be injected depends on your health condition and the body's response to the drug.
Benefits of Botox Injections for Beauty and Health
Botox injections are better known for beauty treatments, especially anti-aging treatments. In fact, Botox also has many health benefits. The following are the benefits of Botox injections in various fields:
Beauty field
In the world of beauty or aesthetics, the benefits of Botox injections are to:
- Reduces or eliminates fine lines and wrinkles at the outer corner of the eyes, between the eyebrows, and the forehead
- Shape or improve facial appearance
- Overcome branched, thin, and damaged hair
Health
In the medical or health field, Botox injections are often used to treat the following conditions:
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary incontinence in adults
- Headaches in chronic migraine sufferers
- Stiff muscles in the elbows, wrists and feet, as well as fingers and toes
- Neck pain and abnormal head position in patients with cervical dystonia
- Eye problems, such as crossed eyes and blepharospasm
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), especially in the armpit area
- lazy eyes
- Certain neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy
Botox Side Effects
Generally, Botox injections are safe if the dosage is right and done by an experienced doctor. However, botox injections can also cause the following side effects:
- Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
- Headache
- Fever
- Freezing
- drooping eyelids or slanted eyebrows
- Lips look tilted and drooling
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
Before Deciding for Botox Injections
If you want to inject Botox, here are some things to consider and consider:
- The cost is quite expensive.
- The results are not permanent.
- Look for references to doctors who have the competence to perform this procedure.
- Know the type and brand of botox to use.
- Check whether the botox syringe and vial used are still in new and sealed condition.
- Know what are the side effects of Botox injections.
In addition, botox injections should not be done if you are experiencing the following conditions:
- Planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Experiencing swelling or infection of the skin around the area to be injected with botox
- Have a muscle disorder, such as muscle weakness or paralysis
- Have an allergy to botox
- Undergo certain treatment
For some time after the Botox injection, avoid driving or doing any activity that requires vision and concentration. For 3 days after the Botox injection, avoid massaging or scrubbing your face, doing strenuous exercise, sunbathing, or going to the sauna.
If after the Botox injection you experience side effects, such as difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, drooping eyelids, or visual disturbances, immediately consult a doctor.