Botox is now the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. In 2012, over 6.1 million Botox procedures were performed. Many people choose non-invasive treatments like this because treatment is fast with no downtime. You can return to work the same day, and results can be subtle enough that you will not look "done." Botox can treat many static wrinkles, especially crow's feet, forehead wrinkles and wrinkles along the neck.
What's more, Botox can even be a preventative service. Using Botox early can help prevent new wrinkles from developing because it reduces the pull of the muscles on the skin which cause them!
Here's what you should know about Botox before you schedule an appointment.
What's more, Botox can even be a preventative service. Using Botox early can help prevent new wrinkles from developing because it reduces the pull of the muscles on the skin which cause them!
Here's what you should know about Botox before you schedule an appointment.
Understanding Botox
Botox is actually a trade name for botulinum toxin A. Botulism is a potentially deadly form of food poisoning that occurs when someone eats something contaminated with a neurotoxin made by Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria.
Botulism causes many symptoms, but the most serious is paralysis. A high dose of botulinum toxin can cause fatal paralysis by preventing muscles from contracting, including heart muscles if the toxin reaches that far. Botulinum toxins attach to nerve endings, which keeps a neurotransmitter from releasing, thus muscles cannot contract.
Cosmetic botulinum toxin, however, uses this principle to relax muscles by using an incredibly small and safe dose. Within a few hours of a Botox injection, muscle contractions are significantly reduced or eliminated completely in the target area. This effect will last anywhere from 6 to 9 months. One of the most common treatment areas is the forehead or brow. If Botox is injected into these muscles, they are physically unable to scrunch together. This will temporarily eliminate or greatly reduce frown lines for a more rested, happy or youthful appearance.
How Botox Injections Are Performed
Botulinum toxin is injected in very tiny doses for cosmetic use. This is done by diluting botulinum toxin powder in saline and injecting it into tissue. Botox will usually take two to three days before it takes effect, but you may see some immediate results.
A physician will use a very fine needle during the treatment. For most people, the discomfort is very minor, and there is not even a sting. Topical anesthetic or ice can be used to make treatment more comfortable.
Are There Side Effects?
While some people are afraid of getting Botox injections because they worry about the potential dangers, botulinum toxin actually has many beneficial clinical applications. In tiny doses, it is also incredibly safe. Botox itself has a long and excellent safety rating.
The most common side effect of Botox injections is mild bruising. Some patients experience a headache, mild nausea, swelling or temporary numbness as well. The rarest side effects are difficulty swallowing or speaking if the toxin spreads, although this has not been reported when used as directed.
If you are concerned with facial wrinkles, particularly crow's feet and frown lines, Botox is safe and effective. Just make sure you choose a surgeon or doctor who is very experienced with non-surgical wrinkle treatments for the best results.
Botox is actually a trade name for botulinum toxin A. Botulism is a potentially deadly form of food poisoning that occurs when someone eats something contaminated with a neurotoxin made by Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria.
Botulism causes many symptoms, but the most serious is paralysis. A high dose of botulinum toxin can cause fatal paralysis by preventing muscles from contracting, including heart muscles if the toxin reaches that far. Botulinum toxins attach to nerve endings, which keeps a neurotransmitter from releasing, thus muscles cannot contract.
Cosmetic botulinum toxin, however, uses this principle to relax muscles by using an incredibly small and safe dose. Within a few hours of a Botox injection, muscle contractions are significantly reduced or eliminated completely in the target area. This effect will last anywhere from 6 to 9 months. One of the most common treatment areas is the forehead or brow. If Botox is injected into these muscles, they are physically unable to scrunch together. This will temporarily eliminate or greatly reduce frown lines for a more rested, happy or youthful appearance.
How Botox Injections Are Performed
Botulinum toxin is injected in very tiny doses for cosmetic use. This is done by diluting botulinum toxin powder in saline and injecting it into tissue. Botox will usually take two to three days before it takes effect, but you may see some immediate results.
A physician will use a very fine needle during the treatment. For most people, the discomfort is very minor, and there is not even a sting. Topical anesthetic or ice can be used to make treatment more comfortable.
Are There Side Effects?
While some people are afraid of getting Botox injections because they worry about the potential dangers, botulinum toxin actually has many beneficial clinical applications. In tiny doses, it is also incredibly safe. Botox itself has a long and excellent safety rating.
The most common side effect of Botox injections is mild bruising. Some patients experience a headache, mild nausea, swelling or temporary numbness as well. The rarest side effects are difficulty swallowing or speaking if the toxin spreads, although this has not been reported when used as directed.
If you are concerned with facial wrinkles, particularly crow's feet and frown lines, Botox is safe and effective. Just make sure you choose a surgeon or doctor who is very experienced with non-surgical wrinkle treatments for the best results.