What Is Botox?
Time catches up with all of us, but that doesn’t mean it has to affect everyone in the same way. There are very effective ways to reduce the changes caused by aging. While some of the methods are very invasive, like surgery, others are not. One of the less invasive procedures is to use Botox, or botulinum toxin. The toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and it acts on the neuromuscular junction to cause flaccid paralysis. Botox happens to be the first commercial version of the botulinum toxin.
In ordinary English, that means the toxin keeps nerves from stimulating muscle. In turn, that produces what is called flaccid paralysis. That portion of the body treated, usually the facial skin, relaxes, and the lines and wrinkles smooth out. Botox is given by injection, and the treatment is quick, taking about ten minutes. The treatment is used for both men and women.
Complications are infrequent, but do occur. They include flu-like symptoms, droopy eyelids, a crooked smile, drooling, or trouble speaking. More severe and rare problems include trouble with swallowing, or breathing, or loss of bladder control.
What Is The Timeline?
Patients receiving Botox can generally return to work, or a normal schedule, as soon as the treatment is over. No down time is needed. While Botox treatments are effective in reducing or eliminating wrinkles and creases, the results are not permanent. Botox lasts about three to six months and then the treatment needs to be repeated. Interestingly, with repeated treatments, wrinkles and creases remain somewhat reduced even after the Botox wears off. This is possibly due to the muscles beneath the skin shrinking over time from lack of use.
Generally, how long it takes for Botox to work is as follows: results start to show in a few days and may take up to one month to reach full effect. Treatments are most often done to the areas around the eyes and lips; also, to the neck and the forehead. These are the areas that have been shown to respond best to treatment, and to give the most positive results. Still, results are not guaranteed, and will vary for various reasons, including the patient’s age, general health, and skin condition.
What To Know Before Botox
Before getting Botox, there are some preparations to be done. Let your doctor know if you’ve had the procedure done recently. Also, you should not get Botox if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, not should it be used with people who have an allergic reaction to protein in cow’s milk. Do select a doctor experienced in treating with Botox. You may have your skin numbed before the injections are done. After the procedure is finished, avoid rubbing the area where the injections were done.
Are you considering Botox? If you desire more information, please contact Dr. O’Neill at O’Neill Plastic Surgery. Your questions and concerns will be answered promptly, and fully.
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