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Botox, What Is It?

Botox is one of the most sought-after non-invasive cosmetic treatments. This blog discusses the meaning of Botox, areas the anti-wrinkle treatment can be done, and the benefits and side effects of Botox.

Ageing is inevitable. Every individual will experience ageing signs such as fine lines and wrinkles at some point. For individuals who prefer a line-free complexion, Botulinum toxininjections (Botox) are there to help. This cosmetic procedure is one of the most sought-after. It’s gainingtraction among various clients since it’s safe and effective. Botulinum toxin treatment is the most preferred procedure for patients wishing to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Read this article to understand more about botox.

UnderstandingBotox

According to Hanson-Hedblomet al. (2020), Botulinum toxintreatsmultiplehealth conditions, including alleviating ageing signs like fine lines and wrinkles, chronic migraine and excessive sweating. However, most individuals are more familiar with its ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.  To make this possible, Botox freezes the muscle responsible for wrinkle formation. Doing so prevents muscle movements resulting in a smoother complexion free of fine lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin treatmentseliminate and prevent wrinkles and facial lines. Botox blocks nerve impulses responsible for muscle contraction, thereby treating and preventing the formation of dynamic wrinkles.

Apostolidiset al. (2020) noted thatBotulinum toxin injections eliminate wrinkles, neck spasms, lazy eyes and overactive bladder. Additionally, it is used to achieve a more slimmed jawline.

Botox has multiple benefits, which are approximately fifteen to thirty minutes. One of its greatest advantages is its treatment period. After a single treatment, the patient may notice its effects within four days. However, for optimalresults, it takesup to thirty days. 

Areas Botox Can Be Injected

Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet are fine lines located around the eyes’ corners. According to Cheon et al.(2019), crow’s feet areone of the most common areas Botox injectionshelp tackle by minimizing their appearance. Whenperformed with an experienced and professional aesthetic doctor, these injectables may reduce drooping eyes, making the eyes smaller.

Forehead

Forehead wrinkles are one of the most common signs of ageing. These horizontal creases are difficult to hide. Additionally, they interfere with an individual facial expression. Therefore, they are one of the most targeted areas of Botox. Botulinum injections lessen these wrinkles effects, but they do not eliminate them.

Around the Brows

Eyebrows are an important part of the face since they are involved in almost every expression. Ageing leads to drooping eyebrows and a hooded appearance around the eyelid region. This leads to horizontal folds around the surrounding skin. Botox injections effectively prevent these effects, defining the brows. However, small amounts of Botox are required to avoid an overarched and surprised look.  Botox helps lift droopy eyelids too.

Lips Surrounding

Fuller and plumper lips epitomize an individual’s youthfulness. Botulinum injections help eliminate smokers’ linesachieving a younger look. Additionally, it improves a patient smile making it more visually attractive, especially for those with a naturallycurved downward mouth.

Benefits of Botox

It Has Minimal Downtime

Botox is preferred over various surgical options since it has minimal downtime.  After the procedure, the patient must lay low for around twenty-four hours before returning to their normal routine. The result is observed within three to four days if all works out. Since its effects last a couple of months, regular follow-up appointments are needed to maintain the look.

It is a Quick Procedure

Botulinum toxin injections are a perfect choice for clients with an on-the-go lifestyle. This procedure may last for approximately fifteen to thirty minutes. Though bruising and swelling may be experienced, they normally subside within a few days.

It is a Safe Procedure

Botox is one of the safestprocedures. It is one of the oldest treatments and has a proven track record making it credible. As a result, it is one of the most effective and safest non-surgical procedures. Before getting any cosmetictreatments to ensure it is safe; luckily, Botox offers that. Though the patient may experience various side effects, they normally subside within a few days.

Side Effects of Botox

Discomfort, swelling and minor bruising are mostlyexperienced with Botoxinjections. However, they normallysubside within a short period. Woo & Peak(2022)noted that other adverse effects include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Neck pain
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Double vision

Contact your cosmetic doctor if you experience adverse side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Botox

Who Should Not Get Botox?

Pregnant and breastfeeding patients are strictly prohibited from getting Botoxinjections. Additionally, clients with neurological diseases and those allergic to milk should not get Botox.

What Should Be Avoided After Botox?

After getting Botox, certain things should be avoided since they might worsen swelling and bruising. They include; massaging the injection site, strenuous exercises and alcohol consumption.

How Can I Make Botox Last Longer?

To prolong Botox longevity, you need to avoid certain things such as; alcohol, nicotine, constant sun exposure and strenuous exercises. Zinc supplements, reducing stress levels, and skin moisturization also help increase Botox longevity.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin injections are a treatment used to counteract ageing signs. It is used to smoothen fine lines and wrinkles around various parts of the face, including eyebrows, forehead and lips. Other medical conditions Botox help counteract include; chronic migraines, overactive bladder and low limb spasticity. It is generally safe and minimally invasive. Before choosing a cosmetic doctor, ensure they are licenced. Before the treatment, familiarise youraesthetic doctor with any allergies or underlying medical conditions. Talk to the doctor immediately if you experience any side effects after the procedure. Botox injection normally lasts for around four months. Tomaintain the look, you get constanttouch-ups.

References

Apostolidis, A., Papaefstathiou, E., &Gatsos, S. (2020). Intravesical botox for overactive bladder: How to minimize complications and manage failures. Current Drug Targets21(15), 1527-1536.

Cheon, H. I., Jung, N., Won, C. H., Kim, B. J., & Lee, Y. W. (2019). Efficacy and safety of prabotulinumtoxin A and onabotulinumtoxin A for crow’s feet: a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, split-face study. Dermatologic Surgery45(12), 1610-1619.

Hansson-Hedblom, A., Axelsson, I., Jacobson, L., Tedroff, J., & Borgström, F. (2020). Economic consequences of migraine in Sweden and implications for the cost-effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) for chronic migraine in Sweden and Norway. The journal of headache and pain21(1), 99.

Woo, P. (2022). Simultaneous Botox and Augmentation Injection Laryngoplasty in Patients With Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia (ASD) and Tremor. Journal of Voice.

Elena Ognivtseva
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