Botox (Botulinum Toxin) - Uses, Treatment, and Side Effects

Have you often wondered how all of those movie stars seem to get younger as years pass by? Have you wanted such wrinkle-free skin that makes everyone go crazy? The answer to both of these questions lies in the wonder drug, Botox.

Botox is a drug used widely for cosmetic purposes as well as to treat some other medical conditions. When used in small doses and aptly botox is found to have the aforementioned benefits. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at everything you need to know about Botox.

What is botox?

Botox is a protein complex derived from Botulinum Toxin. Botulinum Toxin, a neurotoxin is sourced from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium and a number of related bacteria.  Botulinum Toxin is used to derive a number of preparations such as:

• Onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox)
• Abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport)
• Incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin)
• Rimabotulinumtoxin B (Myobloc)
• Prabotulinumtoxin A (Jeuveau)
• 
  

All of these preparations are commonly called Botox. To purchase type A Botox click here.

Botulinum toxin is one of the most lethal toxins known, it is thought that one gram of this toxin could potentially kill a million people. This toxin is known to cause a deadly disease, botulism. Type A and B of Botulinum toxin is used in medicine to treat various diseases and conditions in humans.

That being said, Botox is a purified form of Botulinum toxin and is generally considered a very safe cosmetic drug. It is widely used to reduce facial wrinkles, especially around the forehead. Botox is a very simple and effective method used to treat wrinkles and the procedure needs very little preparation.

What is Botox used for?

Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin A), Dysport, and Xeomin are widely used in the cosmetic industry to treat facial wrinkles. Apart from the cosmetic industry, Botox is used to treat a number of issues related to muscle spasm such as:

• Upper limb spasms
• Cervical dystonia
• Crossed eyes
• Eyelid spasms
• Chronic Migraines
• Hyperhidrosis or Excessive sweating
• Twitchy eyes
• Urinary Incontinence
•  

It is thought that about 3 million Botox treatments are administered over the world every year. In most cases, people who undergo Botox treatment are satisfied with the treatment and side effects are rarely seen.

How does Botox work?

Botulinum toxin, being a neurotoxin, prevents the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine from nerve endings. This blocks out nerve signals and disrupts muscle contractions. This causes flaccid paralysis in muscles.

Since the muscles are paralyzed, it prevents skin from stretching and shrinking during various facial expressions and hence reduces facial wrinkles. This also enables Botox to treat various issues related to muscle spasms.

Preparing for a Botox treatment

Botox procedure requires little to no preparations since it is not a surgical procedure. Usually, Botox administration takes about 30 minutes. You may not need general anesthesia, however, local anesthesia will help reduce the pain. Usually, 3 to 5 injections of Botox are administered around the area to be treated.

 It is advisable to not take medications that thin the blood before you get the treatment, this may cause excessive bleeding at the site. Avoid taking the treatment if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Although Botox treatment is available at many spas, it is always better to consult a doctor before you undergo the treatment. Inform your doctor about any previous Botox treatments, allergies, and medications you are taking. The cost of a Botox treatment depends on if you’re undertaking it for cosmetic or medical reasons and the number of Botox units that are required for the treatment.

 

Post Treatment do’s and don'ts

After a Botox treatment, don’t apply any pressure to the treated area. Avoid rubbing or massaging or otherwise touching it. This may cause Botox to spread to other parts of the body and not have the desired benefits. You can go ahead with your normal routine almost instantly after the treatment unless your doctor says otherwise.

Sometimes a couple of hours after the treatment bumps may develop around the treated area but this will go away by itself. In some cases minor bruises may also be present, these go away in about a week to two.

It takes anywhere from 1 day to 3 days for the effects of the dosage to be visible and could last for anywhere between 3 to 12 months depending on the treatment you’ve taken.

 

Side effects of Botox

Botox is generally considered to be safe, and side effects are not very common. But side effects were usually seen are:

• Minor bruising or discomfort around the treated area.
• Droopy or swollen eyelids.
• Dry eye
• Headaches
• Numbness
• Neck pain
• Urinary problems (in cases where Botox was used to treat urinary incontinence)
• Worsening of Neuromuscular problems

 

Conclusion

Botox is a completely safe, simple, and efficient method to treat facial wrinkles. If you want younger, tighter and better-looking skin Botox is a great option to opt for.