Botox^® by Allergan

Botox^® injections has become the Holy Grail in wrinkle prevention and removal, and although it was developed as a treatment to decrease the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain associated with cervical dystonia in adults, as well as the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm associated with dystonia, it is most known as an injectable a cosmetic procedure.

It is properly known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, made from Clostridium botulinum bacterium and also contains albumin, a derivative of human blood. But since effective donor screening and product manufacturing processes are in place, it carries an extremely remote risk for transmission of viral diseases.

Cosmetic application

For cosmetic application, it is touted as a simple, non-surgical process consisting of a couple of injections and within days a noticeable improvement in frown lines are achieved - which can last up to 4 months, although these results vary a lot.

The injections are done without any anesthesia into the muscles which cause the frown lines and most people can carry on with their normal life directly after the injections.

The muscles which are treated in this way cannot contract and lines cannot form, since the muscles causing the lines are "frozen".

How long does it last?

Although the manufacturers stipulated that the results may last for 4 months - they do make it very clear that the results can reverse far sooner.

Who can attend to this treatment?

Should you decide to try this treatment it is advisable to have the injections done by a specialist - like a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist - although any registered healthcare professional may administer it.

This should NOT be undertaken by an unqualified person, or a person with little knowledge regarding the muscles in the face, and the so-called "Botox party" should be avoided - you should NOT be injected by an unqualified and in-specialized person.

Who should not make use Botox ^® injections?

Botulinum injections should not be used on people who:

• Have an infection on the injection site
• People that are hypersensitive to any ingredient in the formulation
• Patients with neurological disorders
• Pregnant women - or those wishing to fall pregnant
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Interaction with other drugs Botox injection may interact with certain other drugs as:
  • Some antibiotics such as gentamicin, tobramycin, clindamycin, and lincomycin
  • Medicines to treat heart rhythm problems, such as quinidine
  • Medicines used for myasthenia gravis or Alzheimer's disease.
  • It is also wise to discuss any over-the-counter medicine or herbal products that you may be using.

Side effects

Some side effects that are reported may include the following:

• Flu syndrome
• Headache and migraine
• Respiratory infection
• Temporary eyelid droop
• Nausea
• Pain in the face
• Erythema and swelling at the injection site
• Muscle weakness

What happens when I stop using it?

The lines will gradually return to the areas, as they were before treatment.

What does it cost?

The cost of having the injections done vary, and although it is touted as the least expensive facial aesthetic procedure, it still is a costly procedure. The cost of Botox injections are not normally covered by medical insurance / aid schemes, unless required for non-cosmetic use.

Are there another alternative to these injections?

Yes, Créme de Vie is facial cream which has proven in clinical studies to reduce wrinkles and prevent the formation of wrinkles - without any toxin-like ingredient - and the process is explained in which the formation of wrinkles are prevented.

No injections are needed, and the cream is simply used as you would any other facial moisturizing cream.