Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is the only FDA approved medical treatment for overactive muscles, such as those in the face, neck and upper body that are caused by certain conditions like chronic migraine headaches or dystonia.
A drug called Botox weakens or relaxes a muscle. It can help treat some other medical conditions and lessen fine lines and wrinkles on the skin when taken in small doses. A protein called Botox is created from botulinum toxin. They reduce the appearance of wrinkles by blocking the nerves that cause muscles to contract. A botox and filler courses near leeds injection causes little to no discomfort. It is regarded as a secure, successful method of treating wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes.
It is called Botox because it was derived from botulism, but there isn’t any relationship between the two – they have nothing to do with each other!
However, some people still incorrectly use the name “Botox” to refer to this treatment.
So what exactly does Botox do? Let’s find out.
The main effect of Botox is to paralyze muscle cells. This works by blocking nerve signals from reaching and stimulating muscle cells. The result should be a temporary loss of muscle function at the injection site and decreased or eliminated muscle activity elsewhere in the body.
Injection sites for Botox include the forehead, the glabella (the area above the nose), the lateral part of the eyebrows, the periorbital areas (above the eyes), the corners of the mouth, the nasal tip, the nasolabial folds (between the nose and the lower lip), and the chin.
How Long Does It Take For Botox To Work?
While it can take anywhere from 3 days to 4 weeks for your muscles to fully recover, most patients see results within 2 to 4 weeks after an injection. You may even notice effects right away, though these will usually last longer than 1 week. If you experience immediate pain, swelling or redness, call your doctor immediately.
Side Effects Of Botox
There are no known side effects of Botox injections, but the drug is not without risks. Some patients who receive Botox treatments find that their facial expressions become stiffer or more rigid. Others report feeling fatigued after receiving a series of injections, although these symptoms typically resolve quickly, too. In rare cases, patients have reported experiencing weakness or paralysis on one side of their face following a treatment.
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately. While many doctors don’t consider them serious enough to warrant discontinuing the treatment, others may decide otherwise. Be sure to let your doctor know if you’ve experienced any unusual reactions or complications following a previous treatment.
Other Botox Side Effects
Since Botox is a prescription medication, you should consult your doctor before considering taking it. Your doctor can help you determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for the treatment, and he or she can also advise you about possible side effects.
Some patients report having headaches, dizziness, fatigue, muscle aches, or mood swings after receiving Botox injections. These side effects tend to subside after a few hours, but they may persist for several days.
Botox Precautions
You’ll need to inform your doctor if you’ve recently received another type of injectable medication, such as steroids, insulin, or chemotherapy drugs. He or she will want to make sure that Botox doesn’t interfere with the actions of any of these medications, which could cause potentially dangerous interactions.
Your doctor will probably perform a physical exam before administering Botox to ensure that your health is good enough to undergo the procedure. He or she will also test your blood pressure and pulse rate before giving you the injections. Afterward, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight, and you might need to avoid strenuous activities like lifting weights until the next day.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke cigarettes or consume alcohol regularly. Alcohol and tobacco greatly increase your risk of developing a serious allergic reaction to Botox. Also, tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Botox Before And After Pictures
Botox Before And After Photos
Before you start getting Botox injections, make sure to schedule time off work, go easy on your exercise routine, and eat well. Your doctor will likely recommend you follow a strict diet for several days prior to the injections, so you won’t be able to eat anything containing large amounts of sugar or salt.
After you receive the injections, keep your head elevated for 20 minutes. Don’t lie down or sleep for more than 30 minutes, and don’t wear makeup during this period. You should drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, and try to avoid strenuous exercise.
Keep in mind that Botox has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in only around 50% of patients. Therefore, your results will depend on your individual appearance.
Botox Dosage Chart
Botox dosage varies depending on the product used and the location of the muscle affected. However, if you receive a full dose of Botox, your doctor will normally prescribe injections into the orbicularis oculi muscles, located just below the eyelids. Each dose contains anywhere from 25 units to 100 units of BTX-A.
The average dose is usually 50 units, but you can ask your doctor for a higher or lower dose if you think you require more or less relief from the condition. Most patients feel better after receiving injections at doses greater than 50 units.
Injections are typically administered once every three months, though this interval can vary depending on your doctor’s recommendations. Keep in mind that a single treatment session will not eliminate all signs of aging; rather, it will temporarily slow down the process.
For optimal results, you should repeat the treatment every 6 to 12 months. If your skin becomes too dry after treatment, your doctor may suggest applying moisturizer to your face before the next session.
