There was a time when Botox was seen as something only celebrities and wealthy people do to keep themselves looking young. This has changed, with Botox treatment in Singapore becoming more accessible and is now known as one of the most common cosmetic procedures done today.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has shared that over 7.23 million Botox procedures were performed in 2017 alone in US. Most of these were for cosmetic purposes, but Botox is also used to treat medical conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms and excessive sweating.
To understand Botox and its popularity, let’s take a look at Botox’s history and how it became one of the best treatments for wrinkles and more.
What Is Botox?
Botox in Singapore is a neurotoxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium and is used in medicine to treat various medical conditions. It is generally safe and can be administered by a physician without any anesthesia or pain relief medication.
Botox is most commonly used to treat issues such as:
- crow’s feet
- frown lines
- forehead lines
- glabellar lines (lines that run between the eyebrows)
- blepharospasm (an eyelid spasm)
- cervical dystonia (a spasmodic cervical muscle contraction)
Overview and History of Botox
Botox was first discovered in the late 19th century by a German physician named Dr. Justinus Kerner.
Kerner was studying the toxin botulism, which is caused by bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. He noticed that the toxin could cause paralysis of the muscles in lethal doses.
However, Kerner also found that the toxin could temporarily paralyze muscles in small doses and hypothesised that it could be used for medical purposes.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that Dr. Alan B. Scott, an American ophthalmologist, began using Botox to treat strabismus or crossed eyes in patients.He found that injecting small amounts of the toxin into the muscles around the eyes could weaken them and allow the eyes to return to their normal position.
The FDA first approved Botox in 1989 to treat blepharospasm or involuntary eyelid twitching. It was approved for use in cosmetic procedures in 2002. Since then, the toxin has been commonly used to treat other conditions that involve muscle spasms, such as migraines and dystonia.
How Does It Work?
Botox is a neurotoxic protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
When injected into humans, the protein interferes with the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls muscular contraction. The injected muscle will weaken or become paralysed for a time due to nerves being unable to send signals to the muscle.
The amount of Botox that needs to be injected depends on the condition that’s being treated and the desired results. For cosmetic purposes, a small amount is usually injected into the muscles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.
What are the Benefits of Botox?
The popularity of Botox is due to its effectiveness and safety. If you are considering getting Botox for cosmetic reasons, here are some of the benefits you can expect:
Enhances your appearance
For many people, the first signs of aging come from fine lines and wrinkles. These small imperfections can add years to your appearance, but, fortunately, there are ways to reduce their visibility, including Botox.
In addition to reducing wrinkles, Botox can also be used to lift the eyebrows, diminish crow’s feet and soften the lines around the mouth.
Achieves results quickly
One of the main reasons people love Botox is because it offers quick results. The effects of Botox in Singapore can be seen within a few days and typically last for four to six months. No recovery time is required, making it a convenient treatment option.
Plus, it is minimally invasive, meaning no surgery or scarring is involved.
Is Safe and Non-toxic
Botox has been used for over 30 years to treat various conditions and has an excellent safety record. The toxin is non-toxic in doses used for cosmetic purposes and does not accumulate in the body. There are few reported side effects from Botox and they are usually temporary and mild, such as bruising, redness or swelling at the injection site.
Furthermore, the results of Botox are not permanent, so you can stop treatment at anytime without having to worry about any long-term effects.
Boosts Confidence
Since Botox can enhance your appearance and make you look younger, it can also boost your confidence.
If you are considering getting Botox, it is important to consult a qualified physician to ensure that it is the proper treatment for you.
Side Effects of Botox
While Botox is considered safe, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. The most common side effects are temporary and mild, such as bruising, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
More severe but rare side effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Vision problems
If you experience any of these side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Who should not get Botox?
Although Botox is safe for most people, some individuals should not receive treatment.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Botox, as there is not enough research to determine the possible effects on the developing fetus or infant. People with certain neurological disorders, such as ALS or Myasthenia Gravis, should also avoid Botox, as the toxin can aggravate these conditions.
Anyone allergic to botulinum toxin should also not receive Botox injection in Singapore, as they will likely have a reaction. Dr Kelvin Chua, Founder and Medical director of SL Aesthetic Clinic, observed a very small group of people who developed rash at the injection site when using Botox or Dysport brands of botulinum toxin. However, the same group of customers did not get any rash when using Xeomin.
If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate for botulinum toxin treatment, consult with a medical professional before scheduling an appointment.
Final Thoughts
The history of Botox is long and varied, from the discovery of the botulism toxin to the use of Botox in Singapore for aesthetic and medical purposes. The reason Botox has gained popularity throughout this history is because of its effectiveness and safety.
It is important, however, to find an experienced and trained doctor when getting Botox.
SL Aesthetic Clinic in Singapore offers Botox services and we pride ourselves on making sure our clients understand all they need to know about a treatment before proceeding with it. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
