Botox FAQ's

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Below are some frequently asked questions about Botox treatments, most commonly What is Botox, How is Botox used and How Long does Botox Last? There is also specific information relating to possible side effects and the safety of Botox Treatments.

What is Botox?

Botox ® (Botulinum toxin) is a complex protein that is produced by the anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium bolulinum, which produces seven different toxins all of which reduce the activity of muscles. The trade name, Botox ® refers specifically to Clostridium botulinum A exotoxin. Botox ® is used to alleviate muscle spasm or weaken a muscle for therapeutic purposes. In therapeutic applications, small amounts of botulinum A exotoxin are injected directly into selected muscles. Studies have also suggested that Botox is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.

Is BOTOX® Safe?

BOTOX® has an excellent safety profile. It has been used since 1990 in a variety of therapeutic areas and in tens of thousands of patients worldwide. Success rates of over 90% have been reported in medical literature. BOTOX® has long ago received approval as the treatment of choice for dynamic wrinkles on the face in Europe, United States of America and now in South Africa. Repeated treatment studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy.

How is BOTOX® used?

An extremely diluted amount of Botulinum Toxin A is administered by tiny injections into the target muscle. The procedure usually takes 10-15min and the sites of the injection will vary slightly from patient to patient.

How Long Does it Take to Work and How Long does BOTOX® Last?

The benefits of Botox ® Benefits are usually first noticed in 72 hours, but may take up to 10 days after treatment for maximum effect. The effects last on average three to four months, after which it can be repeated. All effects of the toxin ultimately reverse with time.

What are its Side Effects and Complications?

Many studies have confirmed side effects to be minor in the most applications. Side effects are usually transitory, well tolerated, and amenable to treatment and are related to the dose of BOTOX® administered. Persistent complications are rare, and serious side effects are uncommon. Some of the reported side effects include:

• Flu like symptoms.
• Systemic complications are uncommon
• Tenderness or bruising at the site of injection, and headaches.
• Muscle weakness. This is to be expected in the muscles injected but in practice this is rarely a problem.
• Weakness in other areas is rarely troublesome and is associated with large doses.
  

Allergy is virtually unknown.

Antibodies can be produced and if this happens the toxin becomes ineffective, but there are no other effects.

Other very low incidence of complications of botulinum toxin injections includes droopy eye (ptosis), dry eye and photosensitivity. One of the more common adverse effects, ptosis, is due to diffusion of toxin from the upper eyelid injection sites to the levator muscle.

Although the side effects of the toxin are generally uncommon and not serious there are nonetheless contraindications to treatment with botulinum toxin.