What is Botox?
Botox is currently one of the most popular products in cosmetic surgery because it doesn’t actually require any surgery. A neurotoxin is injected into the body in order to provide a cosmetically enhanced appearance to wrinkles. This is done by temporarily paralysing the muscles – commonly within the frown and brow lines of the face.
The toxin that is used to produce Botox is known as Clostridium botulinum or the botulinum toxin. It is most commonly sold under the Botox name and features toxin A. there are various other versions that use the same toxin and is sold commercially under other names – and can contain type B of the toxin.
The toxin was discovered in the 1820s after deaths occurred in Germany from people eating sausages. It would be another 170 years before scientists learned that the same toxin, in very small doses, could diminish wrinkles. It was first used to help with muscle spasms around the eye and learned that rejuvenation of the skin was a side effect.
While the Botox toxin is most commonly used in the area of cosmetic medicine and dermatology, it has been used in other areas as well. Doctors are learning how to treat other conditions with the injections. Some of the most common ones include excessive sweating and migraines. It has been proven to help with various other conditions as well, but has not been approved for these other things as of yet. Research is still being carried out to determine what else it can do.
Many people are confused by botulinum and botulism. One can create the other and this is where the confusion stems from. The inactive version of botulinum, known as Clostridium botulinum, is an organism located throughout cultivated soils, untreated waters, and forests.
The bacteria can be found throughout the intestinal tracts of fish and mammals and is harmless in nature. When the spores start to transform into growing cells, and they overpopulate, it can lead to botulism, which is the deadly neurotoxin. The neurotoxins are what actually targets the nervous system and can disrupt the neurons signals. The neurotoxins are divided into subcategories including a, B, C, D, E, F, G, and age. Human botulism can be caused by a few of these types including a, B, E, and F. C and D will cause an illness, but in other mammals as well as birds and fish.
Botox is created using some of the strictest medical procedures, so the human botulism is not as common as many people think when it comes to getting the injections. The amount that is actually being injected is so miniscule that it barely registers on the scale to be considered dangerous.
The reason that that Botox has gained such popularity is because it offers a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. Since the drug can be injected, it allows people to get similar results without having to go under the knife.
What You Need to Know About Botox
The more you know about Botox, the better. You may have heard various things about Botox and think that it’s all good or all bad. It’s actually somewhere in between. None of this is shared to scare you but to ensure that you choose the best provider for your Botox.
There is a black market. Coupon services are always talking up the Botox deals that can be had. When they sound too good to be true, they probably area. The Botox that is being used could have been purchased on the black market and this means that it may be tainted, expired, or damaged in some other way.
Once you choose a doctor for injections, stay with that doctor – unless you aren’t happy with the results. The reason it is advisable to stay with the doctor that you have chosen is because they will maintain records of your last injections. If it has been too soon since your last one, they are going to advise against injections because over-application could lead to drooping, an unnatural look, as well as leave you in a lot of pain.
Know the details behind Botox and the frequency in which you should get them. Understand when you need Botox and when you need dermal fillers. Your doctor should explain the differences, but you should ask and do the research on your own as well so that you can be knowledgeable about what’s going to happen with your face.
Botox is not going to be pain-free. Many people assume that it’s painless because it is the non-surgical option. It is still going to involve a needle going into your flesh, so there is going to be a pinch. Various creams can be applied to the surface of the skin to help create a numbing sensation. Some doctors will also use ice to numb the area. If you have a low tolerance of needles, you want to ask your doctor about what can be done to help you prepare.
You also want to make sure you comply with all of the instructions that your doctor provides you. You should not lower your head for at least two hours after the procedure. This means:
- No blowing dry your hair
- No bending over
- No napping
- No tight hats
- No yoga
All of this will ensure that the toxin has a chance to settle into the muscle instead of being redistributed somewhere else in your face.
It’s going to take a few days to see the full results. Many people panic that they see wrinkles following the injection. The toxin has to work within the muscle. Depending on individual circumstances, it could take between three and seven days to see the results as desired. Many doctors say that it can take two full weeks to see the best results, especially if you have very pronounced lines in your face.
Finally, know about the Botox provider and what their reputation is. If you cannot find anything about them online (or anything good), keep looking for another provider, regardless of the kind of deal that you may be offered.
Botox for Medical Conditions Other Than Wrinkles
When Botox was first discovered, it was for the purpose of twitching muscles around the eye. It wasn’t long that it was seen to help improve the muscle and therefore reduce wrinkles. When Botox is mentioned, people know that it is designed to make you look younger. What few people know about is that it’s also used for other medical conditions, including excessive sweating and migraines.
Botox works because of a specific toxin known as botulinum toxin. There are various versions and the dose of the toxin varies based upon its use. As such, the dosage that you would use to reduce wrinkles is not what you would inject under your arms to reduce sweating or in trigger points to reduce migraines. The doctor that is providing you with this injection needs to be aware of this – and it’s worth asking a few questions before you move forward with an injection.
All of the risks and side effects that occur with the cosmetic use of Botox apply with the other uses of Botox. Exercising caution works to your benefit so you have nothing to worry about when being administered the injections.