Botox treatments enhance appearance by reducing anti-ageing symptoms. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are side effects one should beware of. This article discusses everything about botox, including what they do, the side effects, and when they fade away.
Botox is a widely used cosmetic treatment. It gives a more youthful appearance by reducing fine lines and smoothening wrinkles. The non-surgical procedure is quick. As with any cosmetic procedure, side effects are uncommon. Most side effects associated with the treatment are mild and transient. When considering getting botox treatment, knowledge of how the treatment works and its potential side effects is important. To keep your mind at ease and provide preliminary information, this article reviews the possible side effects that arise frombotox treatment and how long they last.
What is Botox and What Does it Do?
Botox is one of the popular cosmetic treatments. It is a toxin produced by a bacterium called clostridium botulinum. Botox is technically a drug brand name and is medically known as botulinum toxin or onabotulinumtoxinA. The toxinworks by relaxing and causing inactivity of the muscles. It is used for a wide range of medical and surgical treatments. Caleoet al. (2018)explained that botulinum toxin treats several spastic movement disorders, hypersalivation, hemifacial spasm, headaches and hyperhidrosis. More research on the benefits of botulinum toxin opened its use in cosmetology. Satriyasa (2019) mentioned that cosmetic services include correcting facial lines, creases, and smoothening wrinkles around the face, neck, chin and chest. To use botulinum toxin, extensive and precise knowledge of the anatomy of the mimetic muscles is needed.
Possible Side Effects
As a cosmetic procedure, it is common to have side effects. The side effects are mild and transient. Due to the injections involved in the treatment, it is common for patients to experience redness, bruising and pain. Bruising mostly occurs when a small vein is lacerated. These side effects usually go away as the toxin settles. Satriyasa (2019) pointed out that other side effects that can occur after botulinum treatment include headaches, flu-like symptoms and nausea, which lasts not more than a day after the treatment. Unwanted paralysis and weakening in the nearby musculature can also occur after the treatment but wears off as the botulinum settles and takes effect in a few weeks. Migration of the toxin can cause temporary upper lid and brow ptosis. This can last for two to six weeks. Patients are advised to avoid lying down and remain upright for up to four hours following the treatment. Small (2014) pointed out that allergic reactions can occur if a patient is allergic to any components of botulinum toxin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rashes, swelling beneath the skin and rushes. These can last a few days to weeks. It is important to discuss with the cosmetic doctor before the treatment if one has any allergies.
How Long for Side Effects to Go Away?
Most side effects associated with botulinum injection last a few days to weeks following the treatment. Swelling and bruising at the injection site are the most common and resolve within a few days. Side effects that can take several weeks to resolve include unwanted muscle paralysis and ptosis. For any adverse reaction, one is advised to seek medical help from their cosmetic doctor. One needs to get the treatment done by a certified cosmetic doctor experienced in botox injections to avoid the risk of getting serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox
Who Cannot Use Botox?
One should be of good health to be considered for botulinum treatment. Botulinum toxin treatment is contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis, motor neuron disease and neuropathies. Patients who have a history of allergic reaction to the toxin cannot have the treatment. Witmanowski&Błochowiak (2020) advised that botulinum toxin cannot be used on pregnant and nursing women. A cosmetic doctor may also include several medications that should be avoided when one gets the treatment.
What Should One Avoid After Getting Botox?
Small (2014) recommended the following aftercare tips;
- For the botulinum toxin to settle in and avoid spreading into other areas, one should avoid rubbing or massaging the area for a few days.
- It is recommended that one not lie down but remain upright for up to four hours after the treatment.
- One should not apply direct pressure to the area that has been treated. The cosmetic doctor may advise on the medicines to use for bruising and which ones to avoid.
- Alcohol should not be used for at least two days after the treatment. Other skin treatments, such as facials, should be avoided for a few days to let the botulinum toxin settle. If one is planning on getting botox treatment for an occasion, it is good to get it done a few weeks prior.
Is Botox Dangerous?
Botulinum toxin is meant to be administered by a cosmetic professional with knowledge and experience in the treatment. It can be dangerous if done by an individual without training in the procedure or experience. The treatment should be done in a setting that ensures the needs of the patients are known, and they are assessed to give a dosage tailored for them. Botulinum toxin treatment is safe if a professional cosmetic doctor does it.
Conclusion
When administered by a cosmetic doctor, botulinum toxin injections are safe with minimal side effects. Most side effects associated with the treatment are mild and temporary. These vary from swelling and bruising that goes away after a few days to unwanted muscle paralysis and ptosis that can last a few weeks. Less common side effects can be allergic reactions to the toxin. The cosmetic doctor’s appointment before the treatment is made to discuss the patient’s health goals and possible side effects. The doctor can advise the patient on how to handle these side effects.
References
Caleo, M., Spinelli, M., Colosimo, F., Matak, I., Rossetto, O., Lackovic, Z., & Restani, L. (2018). Transynaptic action of botulinum neurotoxin type A at central cholinergic boutons. Journal of Neuroscience, 38(48), 10329-10337.Nigam, P. K., & Nigam, A. (2010). Botulinum toxin. Indian journal of dermatology, 55(1), 8.
Satriyasa, B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223.
Small, R. (2014). Botulinum toxin injection for facial wrinkles. American family physician, 90(3), 168-175.
Witmanowski, H., &Błochowiak, K. (2020). The whole truth about botulinum toxin–a review. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/PostępyDermatologiiiAlergologii, 37(6), 853-861.
In today's world, people's eating and exercise patterns have changed, and it is often lifestyle that is the cause of many diet-related illnesses. I believe that each of us is unique – what works for one does not help another. What is more, it can even be harmful. I am interested in food psychology, which studies a person's relationship with their body and food, explains our choices and desires for specific products, the difficulty of maintaining optimal body weight, as well as the influence of various internal and external factors on appetite. I'm also an avid vintage car collector, and currently, I'm working on my 1993 W124 Mercedes. You may have stumbled upon articles I have been featured in, for example, in Cosmopolitan, Elle, Grazia, Women's Health, The Guardian, and others.
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