Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are all used to counter wrinkles. They’re a purified form of botulinum toxin A, meaning there’s no botulism risk when used correctly. They work by blocking the nerves that contract muscles, softening the appearance of wrinkles.
Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium from which Botox is derived, is found in many natural settings, including soil, lakes, and forests.
The bacterium can also be found in the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish and in the gills and organs of crabs and other shellfish. Such naturally occurring instances of Clostridium botulinum bacteria and spores are usually harmless.
Benefits and Side Effects
Botox is most effective on wrinkles that haven’t quite set — dynamic wrinkles that appear while you’re moving your face, such as when you frown. If you don’t move the muscle too much, you won’t form the wrinkle.
Injections with botulinum toxin are usually well tolerated and there are few side effects. In rare cases, an individual may have a genetic predisposition that results in a mild, transient unusual response to the drug.
- Gallbladder dysfunction.
- Diplopia (double vision).
- Blurred vision.
- Decreased eyesight.
- Dry mouth.
Risks are very minor with this procedure. The main risks consist of headache, pain, and flu-like illness. In rare cases, there may be a drooping lid or eyebrow area. It is essential for the cosmetic surgeon to assess the patient’s lids before injecting because the patient may not be a good candidate if he or she has an extremely droopy lid to begin with or one that is held up by constantly arching the lids. Ptosis (a severe drooping of the eyelid) can happen in up to 5% of patients but is very rare if the cosmetic surgeon does this process often. These complications are typically very minor occurrences and resolve with time.