Panama Medical Vacations

Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery

Botox
Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, this toxin can cause botulism, which you probably associate with food poisoning. Despite the fact that one of the most serious complications of botulism is paralysis, the medical community has found a way to put it to good use. Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled weakening of the muscles. Used this way, Botox smoothes wrinkles and fines lines, giving the skin a younger appearance.

Prior to Surgery
Because Botox treatments are merely injections, there is no need for pre-op procedures or examinations. You simply schedule your treatment and the doctor will do the rest.

The Procedure
Your doctor will administer several tiny injections of Botox directly into the muscles of your face. Prior to injection, your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area. The entire Botox treatment takes approximately 10 minutes and does not require anesthesia. Pain is usually minimal and brief.

After Your Surgery
You will likely notice an improvement in your frown lines after 3 to 7 days, the effects of which can last up to 4 months. Based on your physiology, the length of time will vary. As the Botox wears off, your frown lines will reappear.

Your surgeon will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising, which could last upwards of a month. You'll be shown how to clean your eyes and you will likely need eye drops since your eyelids may feel dry, burn or itch. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

Risks
One of the nice features of Botox treatments is that most people achieve satisfying results and side effects are extremely rare. Among the possible side effects are:

  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Temporary eyelid droop
  • Nausea
  • Double vision
  • Twitching of the eye
  • Facial pain
  • Redness at the injection site
  • Muscle weakness

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.