Botox Cosmetic (botulinum toxin) is a purified protein that blocks the nerve impulses of muscles which causes wrinkles. It has been used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists since 1991. The drug was originally created to treat neurological disorders such as crossed eyes and blepharospasm (involuntary contractions of facial muscles). Now these botox injections are widely used by medical spas for beauty treatments. It is now a day’s considered one of the best anti-aging treatment in beauty treatment. We will discuss in this article about Botox cosmetics in detail and you will find this guide helpful if you are planning to get this botox treatment to get rid of wrinkles.
How does it work?
It works on the nervous system blocking the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which is responsible for activating muscle contractions. Soft tissue fillers injected in the area where wrinkles are present stimulates facial muscles because these compounds are viewed as food. By using botulinum toxin, therefore, you can stop this stimulation causing your muscles do not contract anymore.
How is Botox Cosmetic applied?
First, the doctor will evaluate your skin, any ailments you may have and concerns about whether or not Botox Cosmetic would be good for you. It is injected into the wrinkles with a very small needle that leaves tiny holes in the skin when it is inserted during treatment. Once injected, the toxin blocks chemical signals to muscles in facial areas where creases are prominent leaving you with smoother skin. The effects of Botox Cosmetic usually last 3 to 6 months before they need to be reapplied depending on each person’s body chemistry. If another dose is necessary injections can usually be done within 2 weeks after initial injection of botulinum toxins. For best results treatments are usually given 2 or 3 times a year.
What are the benefits of Botox Cosmetic?
It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture and lessens facial creases resulting in younger-looking skin. Other benefits include improvement in the appearance of scars left after acne, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), upper limb spasticity (uncontrolled movements that interfere with daily activities) and injuries to the muscles that control eye movement.
Who should get this treatment?
People who have deep forehead furrows between their eyes, crow’s feet around the corners of their eyes, horizontal lines across their cheekbones produced by repeated muscle contractions when you smile or frown, vertical lip lines on either side of the mouth and vertical neck bands resulting from neck muscle contractions due to stress or other reasons.
Who shouldn’t get this treatment?
People who have a disease that causes muscles to move too much such as uncontrolled blinking, uncontrolled movement of the eyes (nystagmus) and abnormalities in swallowing (dysphagia). Also, people with an infection at the injection site where botulinum toxin is injected; allergy to ingredients in Botox Cosmetic; people with breathing difficulty such as asthma; pregnant or breastfeeding women; and children younger than 18 years old. The effects of this treatment should not be given to people under 35 years old since wrinkles and lines are still forming and need time to smooth out naturally. It has been used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists since 1991. The drug was originally created to treat neurological disorders such as crossed eyes and blepharospasm (involuntary contractions of facial muscles).
How effective is it?
When applied correctly by Botox specialists, wrinkles are reduced significantly. However, results may vary depending on the reason for treatment and the area of injection (face or other body part). It can take up to 4 weeks after your first Botox Cosmetic injections before you notice significant improvement in the look of your skin. The effects of botulinum toxin usually last 3 to 6 months then they need to be reapplied depending on each person’s body chemistry. If another dose is necessary injections can usually be done within 2-4 weeks after initial injection of botulinum toxins.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effect is a headache or flu-like symptoms (malaise, fatigue, nausea) that usually lasts for less than 24 hours. Other mild inflammation at the injection site may appear as bruising which is temporary and resolves by itself within one week. Temporary eyelid droopiness called ptosis also occurs but only affects the eyelids temporarily and regains normal function over time. Swallowing difficulties may occur in some patients after Botox Cosmetic injections but it’s expected to resolve spontaneously with treatment lasting less than eight weeks.