What is Botox?

When people in Central Florida hear the word “Botox,” many preconceived ideas and images come to mind. Throw those perceptions away and learn the facts; you’ll be surprised by all the benefits Botox, a popular injectable, can actually provide.

Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced from the bacterium clostridium botulinum; the same toxin that, in large doses, can cause the life-threatening type of food poisoning known as botulism. However, the Botox doses used for cosmetic purposes are nowhere near potent enough to cause this type of poisoning.

When injected, Botox is mixed with a saline solution to dilute the neurotoxin. It is then injected directly into the neuromuscular tissue. Generally, it takes 5 to 7 days for Botox to take its full effect and the results will last for several month. It’s seamless process that provides a natural, youthful appearance!

How Does Botox Work?

Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles at the injection site. The affected muscle therefore cannot contract and allows the wrinkles to relax and soften. The effects of a Botox injection can last from three to six months, but after each injection, the wrinkles return less severely, as the muscles are subsequently trained to relax.

Doctors use Botox in small doses to treat a number of health problems and aesthetic concerns, including:

  • Temporary removal of facial wrinkles
  • Severe underarm sweating
  • Cervical dystonia (neck and shoulder contractions)
  • Blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking)
  • Strabismus (misaligned eyes)
  • Migraine headaches
  • Neuropathy (nerve disorder)
  • Achalasia (esophagus disorder)
  • Overactive bladder

Botox is actually short for Botulinum Toxin, a neurotoxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The purified protein can come in many brand names. The most popular and well studied is Botox Cosmetic. When injected in small amounts, it prevents muscles from contracting by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. This allows wrinkles to relax and soften and therefore creates a more youthful appearance. In fact, Ophthalmologists were the first medical specialists to begin injecting Botox for both medical and aesthetic purposes in the early 1980’s.

For muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical messenger, acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter). This is then attached to receptors in the muscles that cause the muscle to shorten and contract. When Botox is injected, it stops the release of acetylcholine thereby preventing the muscle from contracting. It’s a simple solution to an age-old problem.

Uses of Botox

Doctors use Botox in small doses to treat a number of health problems and aesthetic concerns, including:

  • Temporary removal of facial wrinkles
  • Severe underarm sweating
  • Cervical dystonia (neck and shoulder contractions)
  • Blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking)
  • Strabismus (misaligned eyes)
  • Migraine headaches
  • Neuropathy (nerve disorder)
  • Achalasia (esophagus disorder)
  • Overactive bladder

Potential Side Effects of Botox

With any medicine, there is a list of potential side effects from use. For Botox, some of the common side effects include:

  • Pain at the injection site
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
  • Temporary drooping eyelids
  • Indigestion

What People Are Saying

Kee Nikol
2024-01-22
I had a really great experience. The office is beautiful and very clean. The staff were all very kind and professional. Dr. Ahmed was very friendly, funny, and made me feel immediately comfortable. He did a fantastic job explaining things to me in a way I could understand. I highly recommend him!
Pradeep Raval
2024-01-22
Very caring and professional team of eye specialists.
M Ax
2024-01-19
Lake Nona ophthalmology is excellent! Had both eyes cataract surgery with Dr. Payel and I highly recommend.
Susie
2024-01-18
I am elated with the care my mother received from Dr. Ahmed and staff today. We needed additional assistance transferring my mother from her wheelchair to and from the examination chair. Both the doctor and another staff member transferred her. The treatment Dr. Ahmed prescribed is conservative and more agreeable than her previous ophthalmologist’s recommendations. The office staff is top-notch, too. They were exceedingly kind, gracious and generous with us at every turn, especially after a stressful afternoon. I am relieved to feel positively about my mom’s optical care going forward. Thank you, Dr. Ahmed and staff, for the best-in-class care!
Julianne VanLaningham
2024-01-18
Dr.Patel is a competent ophthalmologist. He is also a kind person who takes time with his patients and listens. I highly recommend him as an ophthalmologist!
Tina Droege
2024-01-17
The staff are very friendly, and the Dr Patel takes his time and always ask how are you been feeling!
Carmen Rosado
2024-01-12
Excellent service and very nice staff!

GET STARTED TODAY

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, Dr. Patel and his team provide compassionate, excellent care and treatment for patients throughout Central Florida.

Chirag J. Patel, MD, FACS, Lake Nona Ophthalmology Founder, and Krishma Patel, PA-C Physician Assistant.