Often associated with a celebrity-like “frozen face,” botulinum toxin injections can soften vertical bands in the neck and creases on the forehead. This popular injectable is also used to treat crow’s feet, frown Often associated with a celebrity-like “frozen face,” Botox injections can soften vertical bands in the neck and creases on the forehead. This popular injectable, botox, is also used to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, and to lift the brow.ines and lift the brow.
Botox blocks nerve signals to muscles so they can’t contract. Cosmetic use was unintended—doctors injected it to correct crossed eyes and eyelid spasms, then realized it helped with migraine headaches and other medical conditions.
What is Botox?
Botox (botulinum toxin) is a neuromodulator that relaxes muscle tissue, temporarily reducing or eliminating lines and wrinkles. It is a popular cosmetic injectable used to treat frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet around the eyes. It can also be injected to lessen lines on the neck, chin and chest or to thicken the jaw muscles to help correct a gummy smile.
The botulinum toxin found in Botox is derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is made in a laboratory to ensure safety and efficacy. If the bacteria are ingested in large amounts or penetrate a wound, they can cause botulism, a serious nervous system disorder that affects breathing.
Doctors inject Botox into specific muscles, areas of skin, or the bladder. Tiny amounts of the medicine are injected and are typically given in multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Injections are repeated every three to six months to maintain the effect. If a patient develops severe swallowing or breathing problems after treatment, they may require a feeding tube to receive food and water.
How is Botox injected?
Botox is injected into specific facial muscles that create lines and wrinkles with a needle or a microneedle. It reduces the underlying muscle activity by blocking nerve impulses to these muscles. It doesn’t affect other muscles in the area, so other facial expressions can still be expressed.
A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum makes the neurotoxin in Botox. This bacterium commonly occurs in soil and can make you sick if you consume large amounts of it or get it into an open wound. Healthcare providers sterilize and dilute the botulinum toxin before injecting you with it.
Before receiving Botox injections, you should choose a cosmetic surgeon with training and substantial experience in facial and neck rejuvenation procedures. A board certified cosmetic surgeon will know how to identify and treat potential complications. It’s also important to find out if the provider performs injections on a regular basis and has a good understanding of the underlying anatomy of these muscles.
What are the side effects of Botox?
The most common side effects of Botox include pain or bruising at the injection site, headaches and flu-like symptoms for 24 hours. The drug may also cause muscle spasms in the area that was injected.
It’s important to follow your practitioner’s pre- and post-treatment instructions. You should avoid rubbing or massaging the area where you had Botox injected. This can cause the toxin to spread from its intended location and affect other parts of your body. This could lead to a more serious side effect called botulism. Botox has a boxed warning, the FDA’s most serious warning, for this risk.
You should also tell your doctor if you’re taking any medications or supplements. Some medicines can increase your chances of a serious allergic reaction, including over-the-counter antihistamines, aspirin and NSAIDs. Some dietary supplements and herbal preparations can also make you more prone to redness or bruising at the injection site. It’s also important to avoid alcohol before your procedure, as this can also lead to these side effects.
What are the benefits of Botox?
In addition to its cosmetic use as an anti-aging treatment, Botox can also treat several medical conditions. Some examples include chronic migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating.
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the treated area. This diminishes wrinkles and fine lines, giving your skin a smoother appearance. It can also prevent new lines and wrinkles from forming by stopping repetitive movements that cause them to deepen over time.
Another benefit of Botox is that it gradually trains your muscles to contract less frequently, which can result in longer-lasting results. This can help you save money in the long run by requiring less frequent touch-up sessions. Injections typically last three to four months, but they can last even longer if you receive them regularly. This is because the botulinum toxin stops neuro-communication between your nerve and the targeted muscle, causing it to weaken over time. Think of it like this: if you stopped using your calves, they would shrink and atrophy from lack of use.