Botox- Yay Or Nay?

Reams has been written and discussed about this simple cosmetic procedure. But on a closer look, BHG discovers there is so much more to botox than it being an anti-ageing technique.

- Nandini Banerjee

The first expression you get after you utter the word ‘botox’, is raised eyebrows and wide-eyed OMG! Quite the contrary reaction since this mysterious drug is injected to remove or smooth out frown lines and other wrinkles. Botox falls under the ‘notorious’ label since it’s steeped in controversies, myths and secrets.

What, Where, When

Botox is botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum and its related species. It is also produced commercially for medical, cosmetic and research purposes. Dr Kiran Lohia of Delhi-based Lumiere Dermatology explains, “Botox works locally to paralyse muscles. So any muscle of the body that is overactive, can be injected with botox. The action will either decrease or cease entirely, depending on the amount of botox injected.”

However, the toxin is extremely poisonous and too much use may result in a potentially fatal disease called botulism. Therefore, the treatment should be undergone only with a certified medical practitioner. Dr Aarushi Passi of Delhi-based SENS says, “Botox is a protein molecule, approved by US Food and Drug Administration, that helps relax overactive muscles, which cause fine lines and wrinkles.

It also treats certain disorders like strabismus (cross eyes), muscle spasms and reduces wrinkles. When injected into specific muscles, it temporarily causes them to relax and softens lines and wrinkles.”