The buzzword these days is botulinum toxin, more popularly Botox. It is usually associated with ironing out wrinkles on the face.
But while it definitely makes one look younger, it has the potential to create issues too.
Hyderabad has a large number of cosmetic outlets and spas, but most of them do not have a qualified doctor who can deal with Botox properly, experts point out.
Senior doctors say it is quite often the laser technician who handles such injections. The customer should be aware of the potential problems and risks involved. Most side-effects are a result of poor technique and inexperience, and consumers should be wary of it.
“Usually patients shy away from asking the doctor direct questions because they think they are at his mercy. Patients should ask doctors of their previous cases. Many cosmetic centres and spas project such treatments as walk-in-and-walk-out procedures, which is very dangerous,” says occuloplastic surgeon at LVPEI Milind Naik.
In addition to Botox, another substance, hylacuronic acid gel, known as fillers are used to add volume to areas as lips, under-eye hollows, eyebrows and cheeks.
“[The] worst complication when the filler is used around the eyes can be blindness. This is indeed a reality, and several cases have been reported worldwide. This happens when a filler injection is being performed around the eye, under-eye hollows, or static wrinkles around the eyebrow region,” Dr. Naik explains.
When the filler is accidentally injected into blood vessels that originate behind the eye, its particles can get lodged in the main artery supplying blood to the eyeballs.
“Once the artery is blocked, there is very little that can be done to open up and restore vision,” he says.
Apart from ironing out wrinkles, Botox can also be used to treat dystonia or facial spasms. In such disorders, voluntary control of facial muscles is lost, producing unwanted facial twitching and grimaces. Such conditions also keep the eyes open at their own will.
Dr. Naik says Botox can relax such facial muscles, thereby allowing them to lead a normal life for a period of three to four months. Dr. Milind can be reached at milind@lvpei.org