These products are refined versions of the natural toxin and are engineered to perform targeted functions. They help with muscle spasms and conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). They even play a role in diseases such as rosacea. However, the most common application in dermatology is for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles which is an anti-aging treatment.

The molecule relaxes the muscles under the skin, thereby reducing their pulling action and hence reducing the wrinkles that they form. It’s more or less certain to get results. It’s not like creams that you keep applying for years without a visible difference. Here, you’ll see the results pretty quickly, starting 48 hours after the injection. They will keep improving over 2 weeks and will last for 4 to 6 months, depending on the metabolism of your body.

Without any more technical details, here’s a dive into Rakesh’s experience with botox at SkinGenious:

Did you visit the Mumbai clinic specifically to get botox injections?

I had actually visited Dr. Chopra for an issue with my skin. It was a small patch of darkness for which I wanted a pigmentation treatment. That area looked darker than the rest of my face. I’m happy with my results on that treatment too, but it was completely by chance that I stumbled upon the option of getting Botox done.

I’d heard about it before, mostly from celebrity stuff on the news about who got what cosmetic work done. It actually gave me an image that the treatment would be very costly and something that people like me can’t afford. I also thought it’s some sort of cosmetic surgery and was quite pleasantly surprised about being wrong on both fronts.

I had seen some brochures in the waiting area about this, which said that botox isn’t really as expensive as you would think. I honestly thought that ‘not expensive’ would also mean something like 50-60000 rupees.

Just a few days back I’d seen my wedding photographs from 10 years ago and my wife looked exactly the same. I, on the other hand, looked so much older. I hadn’t even put on much weight. I just looked older and my face looked a little wrinkled and puffy.

After my skin consultation, I was itching to ask about how much Botox costs and what the results really look like, but was a little embarrassed. I nevertheless put my question forward, expecting to hear some exorbitant amount which I would save up for when I look even elder!

However, Dr. Pooja informed me that Botox costs ₹350 per unit in Mumbai, and someone like me would just need 20-25 units (I had wrinkles around my eyes that are called crow’s feet). I immediately asked her if we could do the treatment on the same day.

Did you get the Botox treatment on the day of your first visit?

Yes absolutely. She told me I could get the Botox injections on the same day. I initially asked her if I could see some pictures of results for others which she showed me. I saw the pictures and the first thing that came to mind is that these results look so impossible. If Botox can give such great results, then why aren’t more people doing it.

I stepped outside where her assistant applied numbing cream on the areas where she was going to inject me. I also had to sign a consent form about the potential side effects and risks, which Dr. Chopra had already explained to me. I waited for maybe 15 minutes and then went straight into the treatment room.

She prepared the injections right in front of me. It was a very thin syringe. I sat on the treatment chair and was injected. The whole procedure took around 15 minutes. I did not feel any pain, just the sensation of the pricks where they were being made.

What advice were you given after the treatment?

After the treatment, I was basically told that I need to take care that the product injected should not spread to surrounding areas. I was given 2 basic instructions which I remember well:

• To not lie down for the next 3-4 hours
• No vigorous exercise on the day of the treatment
• I was also asked to give a phone call in case I felt any sort of discomfort or pain. But I was absolutely fine. I just followed the instructions that were provided and there were no hassles.

[We have provided, at the end of this page, the entire potential risk profile of botulinum injectables. We have simply pasted the risks as mentioned on the official botox cosmetic website. Please go through it to know the possible side-effects for which you will be required to sign an informed consent.

There have however been no confirmed serious side-effects reported globally so far. The official website also mentions that fact.]

How were the results with Botox?

The results were just fabulous. I actually lost all my wrinkles 2 days after the treatment. They used to show up prominently when I smiled, but now they don’t. I photograph so well. I’m feeling like I’m 25 again.

 I’m now thinking of going for the dermal filler that was suggested for my under-eye bags. But fillers are a little more expensive. I will do them soon too. That’s the only thing left on my face that still bothers me. But to be frank, if Botox lasts for 6 months and fillers last for 12, the value from both is more or less the same.

I don’t mind at all if I have to repeat this treatment every six months. I’ll stop when I’m comfortable with looking old.

You can use me before and after pictures as long as my identity is satisfyingly covered up.

How much did it end up costing you?

My crow’s feet Botox treatment ended up costing me exactly ₹7000 plus taxes. It was totally worth it and I still can’t believe that results like this are possible at this cost. I honestly don’t understand why people would still buy such expensive anti-wrinkle creams when you can get rid of wrinkles for sure with this treatment.

My wife has already lined up behind me for my next visit. Although if you ask me, she still looks very young. Dr. Pooja also told her that she can go ahead with some regular facials at the clinic and should start the wrinkle reduction only when the signs become a little more prominent and visible.

My mother is a different story though. She’ll be visiting soon for sure.

[Botox at SkinGenious costs ₹350 per unit and the costs may come down when a higher number of units are used]

Would you recommend Botox for others?

Yes, I will. Some close friends have already commented that I look younger and asked me what I’ve done. I don’t tell everyone, but the people I know well, I tell. I’m sure some of them will be contacting SkinGenious soon to get the treatment also.

The dermatologist who treated Rakesh