Botulinum Toxin: Is It Worth It?

Botulinum Toxin

Smooth and wrinkle-free skin and a charming smile can be easily achieved through the treatment of Botox.

Thousands of people do not know about the fascinating facts of Botox and its purpose and effectiveness. On the contrary, there can also be several risks and side effects if not done properly.

The number one non-surgical procedure since the year 2000 is botulinum toxin.

Get ready to learn more about the magic of Botox.

The Medical Definition of Botox

The medical definition of Botox is botulinum toxin. It is a toxin that is produced by a specific bacterium called Clostridium botulinum and it is known as the most poisonous biological substance.

Acetylcholine is the principal neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction. Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine as it binds to nerve endings where the nerve joins a muscle simply because it acts as a neurotoxin. It weakens the muscle, which prevents it from contracting. It can be recovered within 2 to 3 months through the formation of new synaptic contacts and sprouting of nerve terminals.

During the 1950s, scientists and researchers have discovered that muscles that are injected by botulinum toxin will be unable to contract for a period of 3 to 6 months. Injecting overactive muscles with extremely small quantities of botulinum toxin will block the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction for it quickly decreases muscle activity.

Botox was discovered back in the 1820s. However, FDA did not approved it as a cosmetic treatment yet. A powerful neurotoxic protein formed from a bacterium, now that’s magic.

Millions of botox procedures have been performed as of 2018.

The Beauty of Botox

From teenagers to adults, Botox is surely considered as one of the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States of America.

Thousands of celebrities all over the world have undergone this procedure. Most celebrities get Botox to prevent the pain of high heels in feet and to correct lines and wrinkles. Botox injections can improve a person’s physiological and anatomical desire.

Botox is for Everyone!

Around the world, more and more women and men are into getting Botox. As a matter of fact, a huge number of men and women getting injected has increased by a hundred percent since the 1990’s.

The Treatment is Super Fast and Efficient

Scheduling options for treatment are endless. Normally, a session maybe finished within 10-15 minutes with minimal downtime.

In no more than 14 days, patients begin to notice results. The results last up to 4-6 months.

Say Goodbye to Lines and Wrinkles

Get rid of crow’s feet around the eyes and the frown lines between the eyebrows instantly.

Temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles is exactly how botulinum toxin works. Immobilized lines and wrinkles keep the face smooth.

It is Temporary Life Saver

Results from Botox are not permanent. An average Botox Injection treatment normally lasts for an average of four to six months, which is why doctors recommend a continuous and regular schedule of injections.

It’s Considered to be a Safe Procedure

Doctors and researchers have proven botox to be safe through extensive research for more than a decade. One of the safest products available worldwide is Botox. It is widely used for cosmetic purposes specifically around the eyes, between the eyebrows, underarms, and other areas, because it is FDA approved.

Related article: Are Skin Rejuvenation Treatments Worth The Money

What Medical Conditions can Botox Treat?

Botulinum Toxin, also known as Botox Injections can not only be used for cosmetic purposes, it has also been discovered to work very effectively for various medical conditions! Here are some below:

Hyperhidrosis

Medical doctors have proven that Botox is the perfect solution for sweat reduction.

Hyperhidrosis is a problem as it is a common disorder that produces excess sweat. Millions of people suffer from excessive sweating of the palms, underarms, and soles of the feet.

Botox treats hyperhidrosis effectively and precisely for up to six months as it is injected into the area with overactive sweat glands and helps fight excessive sweating by injecting Botox directly into the skin. This then creates a barrier between the skin and the sweat glands.

Chronic Migraines

Botox cures chronic migraines. Injections into the head are quite effective for people with a migraine. FDA has approved Botox for use in treating chronic migraines since 2010, and Health Canada subsequently approved it in 2011.

It blocks signals that cause unnecessary muscle tightening and typically requires 31 injections in seven specific muscle sites on the head and neck every 12 weeks.

Studies show that injections greatly improve pain levels and overall quality of life. Botox injections may help reduce headache frequency if a person experiences migraines for at least once a month.

Overactive Bladder

Ever felt that strong and sudden urge urinate right away?

Using multiple leakage pads per day is stressful and hassle. The FDA expanded the use of botox to include the treatment of overactive bladder back in 2013.

Botox calms the nerves that over stimulate the bladder muscles and the effect of this kind of injection will last for up to six-eight months.

More than 245,000 people with OAB have been cured through botulinum toxin.

Cervical Dystonia

This happens when the neck muscles contract involuntarily. Cervical Dystonia causes the head to twist or turn into an uncomfortable position. It is used to reduce the excess muscle activity caused by cervical dystonia.

The injection of the Botox will be targeted directly into the muscles affected by dystonia. The toxin has an effect wherein muscle spasms are reduced or eliminated.

Cervical dystonia’s that are focal to one or two areas of the body are more capable of a Botox treatment than generalized dystonia. Muscles affected by dystonia must reach the limit of the total quantity of toxin that can be injected into the body. It must be injected separately, too.

Common Side Effects of Botox

Botox can make a person look years younger because of its procedures and use of the latest technologies. One injection into the skin reduces the appearance wrinkles and fine lines.

The needles used for injections are thin and fine, and it is normal for a patient to experience some pain, swelling, and other reactions at the injection sites during the procedure.

However, it is important to be cautious about the possible side effects in the long run, some of which include:

  1. All-over muscle weakness
  2. Double and blurred vision
  3. Drooping eyelids
  4. Change and loss of voice
  5. Loss of bladder control
  6. Trouble in breathing
  7. Trouble in swallowing
  8. Dry mouth
  9. Discomfort or pain at the injection site
  10. A headache and neck pain
Potential Risks with Botox 

In rare cases, the toxin can spread to other parts of the body. Excess toxins will cause muscle weakness, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, respiratory paralysis, trouble in speaking, and it can even lead to death.

Furthermore, it may also cause a series of immediate allergic reactions, dizziness, and symptoms of asthma. A person is at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection.

Be aware that not all Botox treatments are Food and Drug Administration approved.

The Food and Drug Administration approved cosmetic Botox back in 2002. It is only approved for three purposes:

  • In-between the eyebrows
  • In-between the lines around the eyes
  • Excessive Sweating

Patients must get medical help right away after injection if any of these problems occur.

Botox Precautions

A person who is allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or other injectable products is strictly prohibited from having the procedure done. People with skin infections at the planned injection site should not be treated as well.

Before getting a Botox injection, it is very important to tell the medical doctor about a person’s muscle and nerve condition. All medical and health concerns, including past surgeries, trouble with eyelids or eyebrows, abnormal facial change, pregnancy, and so on must be discussed with the medical professional, as well as the most common side effects based on their clinical experience.

During the initial consultation, be honest with your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Do not use Botox while taking other medicines to prevent serious side effects.

The doctor must be aware of all the injections and medicines that the patient has received, and a follow-up visit after the treatment should be scheduled.

Post-treatment Guidelines

To ensure that the Botox stays in the treatment area and does not excessively spread to other parts of the face, carefully understand these safety guidelines.

  1. Do not lie down for four to five hours after treatment.
  2. Do not massage the area where Botox has been injected.
  3. Do not touch or manipulate the area that has been treated.
  4. Do not undergo facial or laser treatments for at least two weeks post treatment.
  5. Do not consume alcoholic beverages for 48hours before and after the treatment.
  6. Do not engage in sports and activities that involve heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
  7. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for two to three weeks before and after the treatment.

Results can be seen a few days after the treatment, and it is always recommended for patients to book a follow up appointment.

It is important to get botulinum toxin injections from a licensed medical professional. A doctor who is certified and skilled that can advise the proper procedure and is able to extend help in determining what is suitable for the need, comfort, and health of a patient.

Botox has life-changing benefits even though it is temporary. It boosts a person’s confidence and self-esteem and that is why we highly recommend it.

Talk to a licensed doctor today to see and experience the wonders of Botox!

Book Free Consultation

Can't find what you are looking for?

No worries, we are here to help you.

Shopping Cart