What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is a trade name for a chemical produced by the company Allergan. It is used for the treatment of wrinkles, excessive sweating, various types of headaches, strabismus and other conditions.
What does BOTOX® contain?
BOTOX® contains Botulinum toxin type A, which is a chemical produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.
How does BOTOX® improve wrinkles?
BOTOX® causes localised skeletal muscle paralysis by blocking the effect of motor nerves on skeletal muscles.
How long has BOTOX® been used for treating wrinkles?
BOTOX® was first used medically in 1980. The cosmetic effect of BTX-A was initially described by ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers and dermatologist Alastair Carruthers, a husband-and-wife team working in Vancouver, Canada. The results were published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology and the first paper was given in 1991 by Dr. Jean Carruthers at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery meeting in Florida.
How Safe is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 20 years and just over 16 years for wrinkle therapy. No long term side effects have been attributed to the use of Botox. Short term side effects are minimal with temporary bruising localized at the area of injection being the most common. Eyelid drooping and blurred vision are extremely uncommon side effects that resolves in days to weeks.
Will BOTOX® injections give me a stiff, frozen look?
No, not if the correct dosages are used and the correct muscles are injected. It is therefore important to choose an experienced dermatologist who will be able to determine the right dosage and injection technique for you.
Can I have BOTOX® injections if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
No. There is no evidence that BOTOX® can harm the foetus, but as a general rule it is better to avoid all foreign chemicals during pregnancy.
Which areas of the face can be treated with BOTOX®?
Frown lines, forehead lines, the “laugh” lines next to and below the eyes, lines around the mouth, lines that appear on the neck with aging and other areas.
What does BOTOX® cost?
The cost per unit is R50.
For the brow area 20-28 units are used depending on muscle mass, i.e. R1000 to R1400.
For the “crows feet” area 16-20 units are used depending on muscle mass, i.e. R800 to R1000
You can use fewer units, which will make the treatment less expensive, but the effect will not last as long.
How long will the effect last?
Botox will last between 3 and 6 months, depending on the dose used.
Hi Doctor,
I am a South African Ex-pat living in the Middle East. I am suffering of sever sweating of the head in both the hot and cold weather. I can be sitting inside with the aircon on 21degress but still have sweat dripping down my face. Will Botox be able to help and anyway?
Dear Robyn. Yes, Botox will help, but it depends on exactly where on the scalp the sweating originates. Sometimes simple methods like applying topical antiperspirant gels to the scalp in the morning can give relief. There are also some oral medications that can help. Come and show me next time you are in South Africa.
Thank you doctor,
Hopefully I will be in South Africa in July and will make an appoinment to come and see you.
Robyn
Good Day Dr, Do you do Botox treatment for Migraine? If so, what is the cost involved?
Dear Chantal. No, I do not. I suggest speaking to a neurologist.
i need help I have a problem with blackheads that keeps on coming , i have consulted with dermatolist But it didnot help
Dear Mzubanzi. There are a few causes for blackheads, including Acne. The first step is the diagnosis. Come and show me, if you can.
Hi Doctor. I have already made an appointment. Was planning to get Botox for a wrinkle on the one side of my mouth. Runs from the end of my nose to mouth. But I read on the comments that Botox is not suited for lines closer to the nose. Is there an alternative, or should I cancel the appointment? Would really like this lone line to go away! Thank you.
Dear Bev. The so-called naso-labial folds can only be treated with a filler. I do not do fillers, because I do not like the potential side effects. The potential side effects are extremely rare, but not rare enough for me.
HI Dr Louw,
I came in a few months ago and would like to come back for the Botox in my underarms. could you tell me what it costs? How do I get my medical aid to pay for it?
Dear Celeste. The cost depends on the area that needs to be injected. The sweating area must first be demarcated with a certain technique. If the area is small the cost is much less. The maximum cost will be around R2500 per underarms. The minimum cost around R600 per underarm. I can write a motivational letter to the medical aid, but they might still decide not to refund you.
Will botox work for wrinkles on my chest between my breasts?
Dear Chane. No, Botox will not work for those wrinkles, because those wrinkles are not related to the movement of a muscle.
Thank you Dr Louw. Any suggestion to what treatment will work as i am very conscious about it.
Dear Chane. It is difficult to say without seeing it. Is it possible to come and show me?
Hi,
I have been having Botox every 6 odds months for the past three years. Of late this year I have had to have two sessions in Feb and May as it didn’t seem to be working the same as before. I have investigated this on the internet and have seen notices where this has occured due to the Botox either being past shelf-life or alternatively the doctor (it is an established practice) is ‘watering’ down the product. I would like to go for Botox again however if this is the case I’m afraid I’ll be wasting my money.
Your thoughts on this.
If you have Botox over a long period it can seem to be working less well, because the facial muscles would have atrophied (become thinner). I think it is very unlikely that Botox can expire in an established dermatology practice. Diluting Botox would off course be unethical…..
Which is the better treatment for the mouth area: botox, derma roller treatment or fillers.
Dear Nicholine. There are no single best treatment. I depends on what is wrong with your skin.
Dear Natasha. It depends on exactly where the wrinkle is situated. The closer it is to the nose the less of an option Botox becomes.
Just wondering if botox is covered by discovery health medical aid?
Dear Jane. No, it is not, because Botox injections for wrinkles is a cosmetic procedure. Botox injections for excessive sweating is covered by medical aid.