Botox, efficacy and side effects

Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a neurotoxicprotein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinumis and is used to treat upper facial lines, including forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines. OnabotulinumtoxinA for injection is a sterile, form of purified botulinum neurotoxin type A complex.

BOTOX COSMETIC should only be given by a physician with the appropriate qualifications and experience in the treatment and the use of required equipment. The injection is intramuscular and has to be repeated no more than every 3 months.

It should not be used if:

• you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.
• you have an infection in the muscles where it would normally be injected.
• you have any muscle disorders in other parts of your body, including myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert Syndrome or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Interactions with This Medication:

The effect of BOTOX COSMETIC may be increased by aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g. streptomycin, tobramycin, neomycin, gentamicin, netilmicin, kanamycin, amikacin), spectinomycin, polymyxins, tetracyclines, lincomycin or any other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission.

If you are using any medication just let your doctor know about it.

Side effects:

Pain, tenderness and/or bruising at the site of injection. Malaise (generally feeling unwell), these symptoms may last up to six weeks after injection with BOTOX COSMETIC. Weakness and rarely, changes in the way the heart beats, chest pain, skin rash and allergic reaction (symptoms: shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin).

There may be other side effects, if you notice any change you have to inform your doctor. Don’t be scared these are possible side effects and that does not mean they will be happening to everyone.

Botox cosmetic is not recommended for below 18 years of age. It’s not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing.

Efficacy:

The injection is FDA approved, so it is considered to be safe and effective, it is claimed to rejuvenate the skin by relaxing the underlying musculature. The effects of treatment typically last 3 months, meaning that you need to repeat the injection so the effects will last.

I personally don’t like Botox, the fact that I have to repeat the injection for me is a downward. I feel trapped in a circle of injections that I am not sure how it works for me. Instead I think about face yoga, although I never follow a program but I may one day consider it more seriously. This is totally my personal view. If you set your mind to do the injection, you have done your research and your doctor knows your condition, so why not?! after all it’s approved product.

Please share your ideas or experiences bout Botox or face yoga? have you tried any of these? are you happy with the results?