Botox is a drug that weakens or paralyzes muscle. It is one of the most popular anti-aging procedures presently.In small doses, it can reduce skin wrinkles, other signs of aging and help treat some medical conditions.
This minimally invasive procedure uses a type of toxin from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. When used in small doses, it is capable of keeping skin wrinkling at bay without causing negative side effects. It works by weakening or paralyzing the muscles that create wrinkles or by temporarily blocking specific nerves from contracting.
Botox is widely known as a cosmetic treatment. It is recommended for people who wish to eliminate or minimize the appearance of wrinkles and other facial lines, such as: Crow’s feet or the lines surrounding the corners of the eyes, Frown lines or the deep creases that develop between the eyebrows, Forehead furrows or the lines that appear when one raises an eyebrow. The Botox drug is most effective as a preventive procedure or when used on wrinkles that have not set yet. These are called dynamic wrinkles that appear when a person is moving his or her face. The treatment is also believed to help prevent wrinkles, or at least prolong the time it takes for them to come back.
It takes 24–72 hours for the toxin to take effect. Patients who undergo Botox treatment for cosmetic reasons can expect their wrinkles and facial lines to disappear for about four to six months. After which, they may elect to get Botox injections again to prolong the effect. Many people prefer Botox over other cosmetic facial treatments such as facelift because it is minimally invasive and does not require lengthy recovery or downtime.
After the procedure, patients can immediately return to their normal daily activities. The only precaution that is advised is to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area to prevent the toxin from moving to other areas.
Botox treatment is considered to be safe and has been in use for years for neurologic and ophthalmologic treatments.
People should avoid using Botox during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if they have ever had an allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients.
Before the procedure, patients may elect to have their skin numbed to prevent discomfort. This can be achieved by: Injecting numbing medication Applying numbing cream about an hour before the procedure Directing a blast of cold air to the target area for about 10 minutes Botox treatment is simple and quick. It involves injecting a small, controlled dose of the toxin botulinum into key areas surrounding the wrinkles using a thin needle. Depending on the target area and the purpose of the procedure, more than one injection may be needed to achieve the desired results. The procedure is highly effective due to the toxin’s capability to relax muscles. When used for the purpose of getting rid of wrinkles, it relaxes muscles that contract each time a person moves the face, such as when smiling, frowning, or laughing. With the injection of Botox, the facial muscles become relaxed and the skin maintains a smooth and unwrinkled appearance.