The Benefits and Risks of Botox

What is Botox
Botox a trade name for a protein derived from the botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is the toxin responsible for botulism, which is more often known as food poisoning.

When this protein is injected into muscles just underneath the skin, the toxin will block nerve signals that would cause muscle contractions. The reduction of, or in some cases complete absence of, these muscle contractions leads to the patient's face taking on a relaxed appearance with the skin appearing smoother, hence younger.

Botox injections can be given in a very short amount of the time and the results are immediate. There is a relatively short recovery time of one to two days, with most evidence of treatment disappearing within the first twenty-four hours. While Botox is most effective in younger patients when only minor wrinkles are being targeted, it is also used in conjunction with more aggressive cosmetic procedures in patients who are more advanced in age or who have severe skin damage due to sun exposure.

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What are the benefits of using Botox in Sydney
For the right patient, the cosmetic benefits of Botox Sydney can be numerous. For an individual who is looking for a low cost way to combat initial signs of aging in the skin without a long recovery period, Botox can be the answer. In addition, the frown lines that are giving a person a sad or tired appearance can in turn make that person feel sad or even tired. These individuals might not be prepared to take on the risks and down-time associated with more invasive procedures, but might benefit from the low cost and ease of Botox.

Persons under botox treatment do not have to take days off for the treatment. Botox is so easy to administer and so quick to take effect, that some individuals have gone so far as to host or attend Botox parties, during which attendees can all choose to receive Botox injections together. They can resume their soiree with the only evidence being a decrease in facial lines.

What are the risks/side affects
As with most cosmetic procedures, there are risks and side effects associated with the use of Botox that must be considered before an individual makes the choice to receive the treatment. First, not everyone is necessarily a safe candidate for Botox. Pregnant or lactating women should not receive Botox injections as it has not been proven safe to the fetus nor to a woman's milk supply. Patients with any sort of infection near the site of injection should also avoid Botox as well until they are completely healed.

In terms of side effects or potential complications, several are possible, some of which include headache, nausea, inflammation and swelling, infection, redness, or bleeding at the site of injection, and in some patients, temporary eyelid drooping. While these reactions are more common and less severe, there have been rare instances in which more dangerous side-effects have been experienced. One of these is anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction characterized by hives, dizziness, weakness, wheezing, and itchy throat. Some Botox patients have even suffered from cardiac complications. It is therefore imperative that any candidate inform their surgeon of any known medical conditions that could affect their suitability for the procedure.

Other medical/cosmetic issues where Botox is used
Botox, although effective, is not just a cosmetic procedure. Botox injections have also proven to be effective in treating patients for uncontrolled blinking, migraine headaches, lazy eye, and writer's cramp. An esophageal problem known as achalasion has also been treated by the administration of Botox, as well as some cases of cervical dystonia. Patients suffering from overactive bladders and enlarged prostates have also benefited from the muscle relaxing properties of the botulinum toxin and some diagnosed with clinical depression experienced relief once their frown lines were removed.

Even for the most minimally invasive medical procedures such as Botox, risks and complications must be weighed against the potential benefits. For the right patient in the right circumstances with minimal or no risk factors, Botox can be an excellent, low cost choice.

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