5 Things to Know About Botox Treatment
Botox is the name of a neurotoxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The use of Botox in medicine was first described in patients with strabismus in 1982, but there are indications that it has been used in medicine since 1920. It was approved for medical use in the US and initially treated strabismus, blepharospasm, and cervical dystonia. A few years ago, Botox treatment was approved for the treatment of glabellar lines (frown lines between your eyebrows), and since then, we have seen a dramatic increase in its use, not only for frown lines but also in many other areas of the face.
Botox has become a popular treatment recently, so here are five things you should know about it before you decide to try Botox yourself.
How long does the effect of the neurotoxin last? The injected neurotoxin is quickly absorbed into arterial walls, where it remains active for about 3-4 months. During this time, muscular contraction will be reduced by blocking impulse transmission from the nerve to the muscle. After about 3-4 months, the effect of Botox will start to wear off, and wrinkle formation can return.
Is it safe?
Yes, Botox is generally safe if properly administered by a trained professional. It has been used for many years in medicine with few side effects (in a very small number of patients, there’s a persistent change in iris color in one eye). In treating glabellar lines, side effects include pain, redness, and minor bruising at the site. A few cases of ptosis (drooping eyelid) have been reported after using Botox on the forehead, but this is very rare.
Can anyone use Botox?
No, Botox should only be used in patients with a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan discussed with a qualified professional. It cannot be used to treat eyelid disorders such as ectropion or entropion, nor can it be injected below the lower eyelid to treat eyelid puffiness.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of injections for glabellar lines has been recently reduced from about 15 to 10-12 units per side due to the increased potency of the toxin. However, it might take over 4-6 weeks before patients see their full effect. Therefore, it is recommended to re-inject glabellar lines every 3-4 months, but the time between injections may be even longer for other areas like the forehead or around the eyes.
Is Botox treatment permanent?
It is not a permanent treatment. However, the effects of Botox do wear off. Therefore, you’ll need to re-inject or provide yourself with regular maintenance treatments. As a general rule, maintenance injections are recommended every four months.
Closing Thoughts on Botox Treatment
Since its approval for the treatment of glabellar lines, the use of Botox has skyrocketed in the cosmetic industry. In addition, it is gaining popularity for application in other areas, including the forehead and neck. However, there are some limitations to this method, which you should know before trying it yourself. If you’re considering using Botox for cosmetic purposes, it is important to seek professional advice. You should also know that the effects of Botox treatment aren’t permanent and require regular maintenance sessions.