Botox is the brand name of a type of toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The toxin has different medical purposes based on the specific type used, ranging from type A to type G.
Type A, the most potent, is marketed under the names Botox, Xeomen and Jeuveau, and Dysport. All have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for the purpose of reducing facial wrinkles and horizontal forehead lines. Other FDA-approved uses include the treatment of migraines, strabismus (crossed eyes), blepharospasm, cervical dystonia (torticollis), and bladder problems.
Despite what many will tell you, Botox doesn’t actually remove wrinkles.Instead, Botox works by temporarily disabling the facial muscles that cause wrinkles—specifically, those associated with crow’s feet, the wrinkles at the corner of your eyes, and the frown lines between your eyes and other facial wrinkles . Botox is able to do this by directly blocking the facial nerves that tell your muscles to contract.Not all wrinkles are treated equally. As we get older and lose elasticity in our skin, a permanent crease can sometimes develop even when the muscle is relaxed. While Botox cannot erase these deep creases, it may help to soften them.Botox isn’t reversible once it has been injected, but it does wear off. Its effects typically begin within 48 hours of injection and become noticeable within five to 10 days or upto 15 days. However, the effects only last from between three to five months, at which point you would need another treatment to maintain the anti-wrinkle effects.
To prevent the earliest fine lines from becoming full-blown wrinkles, preventative Botox can be the solution. Botox is approved for patients who are 18 years and older and most experts agree that patients in their mid to late 20s and early 30s are at a good age for preventative Botox treatment.You may think that the cost of Botox is not worth it. However, Botox has both short-term and long-term benefits. It doesn’t only reduce wrinkles and stop aging but also offer medical benefits. On a short-term basis, Botox can immediately improve the appearance of your lines.
People who get Botox injections are generally satisfied with the results.However, it should never be considered a miracle treatment. While you can certainly expect some noticeable improvement, Botox can’t turn back the clock 20 years. It is always important to be realistic about what Botox can and cannot do. Moreover, the improper use of it can result in what many call a “frozen face,” a condition which ends up highlighting the procedure rather than the wrinkles it is meant to conceal. Always check the credentials of the professional who plans to give you the shots and ask for references from current or former clients.
