Everything you need to know about Botox Injections

Introduction

Those who have tried Botox know how effective it is when it comes to getting rid of wrinkles. Every day, more and more people decide to get Botox injections either to prevent wrinkles from developing, or to smooth out wrinkles that have already developed. Botox injections, when done correctly and by a certified professional, are fairly easy and painless, with little to no side effects; and they yield excellent results, hence their increasing popularity.

Botox is made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used in small doses, Botox injections work by paralyzing or weakening certain muscles, hence temporarily smoothing out facial wrinkles and improving the appearance.

To find out more about the benefits of Botox and the injection procedure, please continue reading.

The benefits

Botox injections help you get rid of wrinkles, and look younger; they could also make your skin look much smoother. As you might already know, wrinkles often develop as a result of muscle contractions. Botox softens your wrinkles and prevents your facial muscles from contracting all the time.

Another benefit is that, compared to other painful, expensive, and invasive surgical procedures that diminish wrinkles, Botox injections are relatively quick, painless, and much cheaper. They also work for almost every skin type.

The procedure takes no more than 10 to 15 minutes. There might be minor side effects such as redness, irritation, and swelling, none of which will last long.

The most important benefit of Botox is that it yields better results over time. You will notice a remarkable change anywhere between two to three weeks after the procedure. This means that you should be patient and wait for Botox to work its magic. Do not get disappointed if the results don’t show right away.

Botox and Wrinkles

There are two types of wrinkles: Static and dynamic. Static wrinkles are usually caused as a result of the aging process as well as a handful of other factors such as sun exposure, gradual loss of collagen and elastin, weather pollution, etc.

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by continuous muscle movements and contractions as we frown, smile, get excited, squint, etc. These wrinkles, if left untreated, will eventually become static. Since Botox works by blocking certain nerve signals and limiting muscle activity, it is generally considered to be a good option for treating dynamic wrinkles. The results will last between 5 to 6 months, meaning that if your wrinkles start coming back after the fifth month, you can repeat the procedure again. There are no specific age-limits and you can start getting your Botox injections in your 20s, or as soon as you notice tiny wrinkles developing on your face.

What Areas Can Botox Treat?

If you ask a dermatologist they will probably tell you that Botox can be used on:

• The area between the eyebrows, in order to treat fine to moderately deep lines and wrinkles;
• Around the eyes to treat crow’s feet.

Last Words

Botox treatment is safe and FDA approved. Because of its safety and great benefits, doctors use it to treat health problems such as severe underarm sweating, chronic migraine, cervical dystonia, uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm), and overactive bladder. You might also be wondering about the cost. Well, it is highly dependent on the number of injections and the size of the target area. It is an elective procedure, so do keep in mind that your health insurance might not cover the expenses.