By Ashima Sharda Mahindra
Kareena Kapoor has slammed the use of Botox, one of the world’s most widely known brands of botulinum toxin injections that tighten your muscles. The 44-year-old actor, who recently completed 25 years of being an actor in the Hindi film industry, said she was against the use of anti-ageing treatments while being all for “self, all for self-preservation, and natural therapies. “I am against Botox. I’m all for self-preservation in a good sense, which is being healthy, feeling great, and using natural therapies. Self-preservation is also about preserving myself and my talent because that is my weapon,” Kareena said in an interview with journalist Barkha Dutt. “So, preserving that, taking holidays and spending time with friends and family, engaging in things apart from being on set, is also a form of self-preservation rather than needles and going under the knife. That’s something I’m all for,” she added. Kareena’s remarks come days after the sudden recent death of actor and model Shefali Jariwala at the age of 42. Reports said Jariwala was reportedly taking anti-ageing treatments, which included pills and glutathione injections without a prescription. What is Botox? Botox injections improve your appearance by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. However, experts say these injections also treat medical conditions like migraines, hyperhidrosis, overactive bladder, and eye issues. Botox is one of the most widely known brands of botulinum toxin injections – neurotoxins that affect nerves and cause weakening of muscles. Doctors usually inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles to smooth wrinkles, prevent migraine headaches, and treat a wide range of other health conditions. How does Botox work? Botox injections block nerve signals to muscles, which causes the injected muscles not to contract. While it is a temporary effect, it can last for many months. Doctors say the muscle injected depends on the primary area of concern. Several areas can be treated in one session. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that makes the neurotoxins used in Botox. Doctors say they use a specific type of bacteria – known as type A, for medical injections. Botulinum toxins occur naturally in soil and contaminated foods. If you consume large amounts of botulinum toxins or the bacteria get into a wound, you can develop botulism – a life-threatening condition. Are there any side effects of getting Botox? According to experts, botulinum injections have side effects that vary depending on the area receiving treatment. Most issues are mild and improve in a day or two. However, possible long-term side effects may include: Pain, swelling, redness, or bruising at the treatment site Flu-like symptoms Headache Neck pain Upset stomach or indigestion Temporary drooping eyelids, also known as ptosis Eye irritation or redness Who should not get Botox injections? While getting Botox injections is safe, doctors say you must not get this treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have: Neuromuscular disease Drooping eyelids Weak facial muscles