Botox is a neurotoxin derived from anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria (Clostridium botulinum) found in soil, forests, lakes and untreated water. Improperly preserved or canned foods provide the most favorable environment for the bacterial vegetative spores, to produce the toxin. Swallowing such contaminated food can produce the disease “Botulism” which is a serious illness marked by the paralysis of facial and respiratory muscles leading to respiratory failure and eventually death. This disease should be treated as medical emergency; however, marketed antitoxins have faded the picture somehow. It is to be noted that only two thousand grams of this toxin is enough to eradicate entire human race.

Botox is the trendiest cosmetic treatment with more than 6.5 million people treated yearly. A very minute concentration of this toxin is injected in humans to treat fine lines, wrinkles, migraines, muscular disorders, bowel disorders or even excessive sweating. Most common use of Botox is the non-surgical cosmetic treatment to give younger look by injecting (Onabotulinumtoxin A injection) in the facial muscles, which blocks the nerves from the brain, hence preventing the muscles to contract. This inability to move or contract causes the wrinkles or lines to relax and fade away.

Most common local side effects which the person can encounter after being injected include swelling, reddishness, bruising, bleeding; however, systemic side effects may include fever, flu, headache, body pains, muscle weakness, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, rashes or allergies. Not all people encounter these side effects; the chances are further decreased if the doctor is well trained.

Botox, no doubt it scares, but it’s safe if handled by a licensed dermatologist as we have here at Rao Dermatology. It’s time to say final good-bye to the problematic wrinkles and fine lines as you are heading to say hello to us. Book your appointment today…