The Basics of Botox Injections
What is Botox?
Botox is name well known to a lot of people – even people not familiar with cosmetic and beauty treatment, where it gets its fame. But what exactly is Botox?
Botox is a drug made from the botulinum toxins produced by the rod-shaped bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum, which is readily and easily found in soil. The toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is actually what causes the disease botulism.
Despite this origin, Botox is completely safe, and has a long history serving not only in the cosmetic field but in the wider field of health. Botox was (and still is) used to treat a wide array of issues relating to overactive muscles. This is where the value of Botox comes from; because of its ability to ‘block’ the signals nerves send to muscles, Botox can help reduce the lines and wrinkles said muscles cause. Whether they be frown lines or crow’s feet, Botox has a long history of success.
While it’s most commonly known as ‘Botox’, Botox is actually a specific brand name for the original kind of injectable botulinum toxin. There are other brand names including Dysport and Xeomin, which work in a similar way.
The uses of Botox
While many people know about Botox as a beauty or anti-wrinkle treatment, this kind of practice only began in 1989. Before that, Botox was (and still is) a widely used and respected form of medical treatment, primarily used to handle a variety of overactive muscle issues. These include excessive sweating under the arms, dystonia issues (spasms in the neck and shoulder), lazy eye/strabismus, chronic migraines, blinking issues and even bladder problems.
But what about its Cosmetic uses? Botox is primarily used to handle things like facial wrinkles – and indeed, it’s extremely popular. Back in 2016 it was estimated that over 7,000,000 people had Botox injections. Botox is applied to either the areas around the eyes to handle ‘crow’s feet’, or ‘frown lines’ on the forehead. It has also been used for lines around the lips, and for the chin and corners of the mouth and neck. Botox does not have impact on lines caused by sun damage or gravity.
So how does Botox Work?
Issues like Crow’s Feet appear because we are constantly moving the muscles in our face to smile – or indeed, practically any movement in our face. Over time, especially as we get older, our skin becomes less elastic and the movements we make begin to leave lines.
To understand how Botox works and solves problems like this requires some understanding of how our brains and muscles work together.
In very basic terms, your brain fires off electrical signals to muscles across your body – including those in your face. This electrical signal is transmitted via something called ‘acetylcholine’.
Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, meaning the muscles can’t contract. It is a sort of temporary paralysis of the muscles involved, and softens the excessive expressions of squinting, frowning and smiling from causing lines.
So, does it Prevent Wrinkles?
Botox will reduce wrinkles, and indeed, is very, very effective in doing so – and is widely viewed as among the gold standard in the cosmetic field for blocking wrinkles caused by excess muscle movement. The Botox injection will slow the contracting muscles meaning they are unable to create lines in the skin. But furthermore, the injection relaxes the muscle. With the muscle relaxed, it helps to further diminish the lines already created – helping to remove them from the face.
Botox is also useful for helping to reverse the ‘sagging’ of the corners of the mouth and remove or lessen the ‘pincushion’ appearance in some chins.
How does a Botox Procedure Work?
Botox procedures are relatively short and only take a few minutes. Anaesthesia is unlikely to be used, though some doctors make use of rubbing cream beforehand, as the only pain is the slight jab of a needle. The needles typically used are very small, and as such injections cause relatively little discomfort. It will then take a few days for the Botox to kick into effect, and during this time it is suggested one avoids alcohol and anti-inflammatory medication.
Botox is not permanent, and depending on the dose, can last from 3-4 months. Botox procedures however can be repeated.
Botox Procedures should be performed only by qualified medical professionals using industry graded materials.
Numbing and paralysis?
Some patients who’ve had Botox describe the effect as being like temporarily paralysed at the points of treatment, and indeed, Botox does paralyze muscles but only does so temporarily. Botox isn’t designed to prevent someone from smiling or remove facial expressions – rather it’s intended to lessen the excessive expression of squinting or smiling. If Botox is poorly handled or used by a non-professional, it might lessen expression temporarily – meaning it’s extremely important to use a proper, medical professional.
Botox also does not affect touch or sensation – it is not numbing, and has no impact on the nerves responsible for feeling, so it will not leave you feeling numb.
What about Side Effects?
Botox is, when used by a trained medical professional in the correct context, is completely safe and with few side effects. It can be used by the same person consistently for years and indefinitely, and indeed, Botox has been consistently used for years with few issues – almost all of which related to either underlying health issues.
One should however always go to professional clinics and qualified professionals when looking into Botox treatment.
As with all drugs, Botox can have side effects, although these are temporary. These include headaches or temporary drooping of the eyes. However these side effects are rare.
Regarding botulism, one is unlikely to ever have issues as long as the products used as professionally graded. Again, it is important you always go to a proper clinic and see a well-respected professional when seeking Botox treatment.