What You Need To Know About Botox

Botox is made from Botulinum toxin for both medical and cosmetic uses. Doctors apply cosmetic procedures to treat wrinkles and facial creases. Medical applications include the treatment of eyelid spasms, migraines, bladder disorders, and excessive sweating.

How it Works

As a neurotoxin, a Botox injection targets the nervous system, disrupting the signaling process that stimulates muscle contraction, causing temporary muscle paralysis. The injection does this by preventing the release of acetylcholine. Because the injected muscle can't contract, wrinkles thus relax and soften. Botox is mainly used on the forehead lines, frown lines, and the lines around one's eyes. Wrinkles resulting from gravity and sun damage do not respond as well to Botox.

They can also be injected into overactive glands and muscles to lessen activity. Botox toxins can remain active in the targeted area for three to six months. When this time lapses, creases and wrinkles begin to reappear but are often less severe. One needs to be treated again to train the muscles to relax again.

The Botox Cosmetic Procedure

It takes only a few minutes without the need for anesthesia. A fine needle is injected into specific muscles. You will only feel minor discomfort. To take full effect, Botox will usually begin to show after 3-14 days. It is advisable that one avoids alcohol at least one week before and after the Botox injection. You should avoid Botox if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or you previously had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. Other patients who should not undergo Botox injection include those under 18 and people with a neurological disease.

Side Effects

One of the most common side effects of Botox injections is temporary bruising. In rare cases, one can have headaches that last for a few hours. Some people develop eyelid drooping when Botox moves around. Most side effects caused by Botox injections end within a few weeks.

Cost and Effectiveness

The cost of the Botox procedure will depend on whether it is for cosmetic or medical purposes and the number of Botox units involved. It is necessary to repeat the cosmetic procedure every four to six months. After the Botox injections, you may return to work immediately.

The Botox cosmetic procedure is not covered by insurance. However, Botox used for some medical applications is covered where doctors deem it necessary. If you want to try Botox, you should speak to a local doctor about the risks, benefits, and other considerations.