Botulinum Toxin or Botox is not an uncommon name, while many of you may not have used it but you must have heard about in one way or the other.
The bacterium Clostridium releases the neurotoxic protein which we call as Botox; other species related to this bacterium are also capable of producing this Botulinum Toxin.
There are many medical uses of Botox, but it is commonly famous for its cosmetic use, even the FDA had initially approved Botox for its cosmetic use only.
The 5 Major Uses of Botox:
- Treating Conditions that involve muscle spasticity such as Cerebral Palsy and refractory overactive bladder.
- Muscle disorders such as improper eye alignment.
- Botox can also be administered for the treatment of excessive sweating.
- It can also be used for the treatment of chronic migraine headaches.
- Cosmetic uses of Botox include removing fine lines and wrinkles off the face, allowing the person to maintain a youthful appearance for a long time.
How is Botox used for treating various conditions or reducing fine lines and wrinkles?
Allergan Botox meds4care.com injections or vials are administered by the doctor or licensed professional who is an expert in such treatments. The procedure and quantity may also depend on the specific condition that you require treatment for.
Talking specifically about using Botox for cosmetic purposes, how is it administered to the skin?
It is administered by injecting it in the specific areas of the skin that requires treatment, for instance, if you need to remove frown lines from your forehead, it will be injected in the muscles of the forehead.
How long does the process take and is it painful?
The core process of injecting Botox in the skin takes only a few minutes and most of the time it is not painful. If your skin is extra sensitive to pain you may discuss it with your doctor beforehand if you can use anesthesia.
How long do the effects of Botox last if it is a cosmetic treatment?
After the procedure is complete, you will see obvious results within a time span of a few days to 2 weeks, and one treatment will last for 3-6 months based on the severity of your condition or the number of fine lines and wrinkles on your face.
It has been observed that the follow-up treatments after the first injection of Botox show more results than the first treatment when used to remove fine lines and wrinkles off the face.
Side-effects of Botox:
- Redness
- Bruising
- Infection
- Pain in the area where Botox is injected
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Muscle weakness
- Double vision
- Swollen eyelid
- Dropping of the eyelid
- Irritation in the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Tearing of the eyes
- Less blinking
- Photosensitivity
- Neck pain
- Anxiety
- Back Pain
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Inflammation
- Painful Urination
- Fever
Very few people have reported any serious side-effect of Botox and it is considered one of the safest treatments out there, also people using it for cosmetic purposes rarely have any major side-effects and even the mild ones are limited to the area in which the Botox is injected such as redness and pain.
But it is best to ask your doctor to inform you about all the possible side-effects that may occur after the use of Botox on your skin as the side-effects as well as their severity may differ based on a person’s body, their past medical history as well as any other existing conditions that you may have or any medications that you may be using.
Allergic Reaction:
Botox treatments have not been reported to induce any allergic reactions in the body but it is best to be careful if you have a history of other forms of allergies, and report to your doctor promptly if you see any rashes, swelling or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Interactions:
These are some of the medications which may interact with Botox:
- Gentamicin
- Polymyxin
- Warfarin
- Galantamine
- Rivastigmine
- Tacrine
- Ambenonium
- Pyridostigmine
- Quinidine
There might be medications and drugs other than this which may interact with Botox, so before you begin your treatment make sure you update you, doctor, with all types of drugs and medications that you may be using to prevent any serious interactions.
Warnings and Precautions:
Please ensure that you are not allergic to any inactive ingredient in the Botox treatment that you are getting, you can do this by discussing the active ingredients with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Share your entire medical history with your doctor to make sure that your conditions do not interact with the Botox treatment.
After you get this treatment it is best to avoid operating machinery or drive as it may slightly give you blurry vision and muscle weakness for a while.
Please inform your doctor, dentist, and dietitian, or any other health expert if you are going to get this treatment so none of their treatment collides with each other.
If you are someone who is planning to have a baby or are pregnant then please confirm with your doctor if you can get Botox treatment. If you nursing a baby or offering breast milk for a baby then please do not use Botox as it is not yet verified if Botox passes through breast milk.
If you are pregnant, please do not use Botox for the cosmetic purpose such as removing wrinkles of your face. The body of a pregnant woman is likely to go through many changes after she gives birth, thus it is best if your schedule a Botox treatment after you have delivered and weaned off your body from breast milk.
After having a Botox treatment, it is best to refrain from rubbing, scratching, or applying pressure on the administered areas so that you get flawless results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox:
Is the Cosmetic Use of Botox only recommended for Women?
Not all. Men are as conscious and focused on looking fabulous and young for a long time as women and thus many men opt for Botox treatments to remove fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. The treatment offers effective results regardless of your gender.
Is there a minimum age required to seek Botox treatment?
Ideally, you should at least be 18 years old in most cases if you want to seek Botox treatment for cosmetic use, but when you are young and in your 20s, you don’t require any external help to look young if you adopt a healthy lifestyle. 30 is a good age to seek Botox Cosmetic treatment, as it may prevent you from having wrinkles and fine lines in the future.
If your desire to use Botox for its medical use, your doctor is the best person to determine if your age is suitable for Botox.
Are there any special precautions to be taken before getting Botox treatment?
Yes, and based on your condition for which you are seeking the treatment, your doctor will give you a list of specific precautions to take, which you must follow for the best results.
Generally, consuming alcohol is to be avoided at least 48 hours before the treatment and your doctor may ask you to stop using medications or herbs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and Ginseng which are known for their blood-thinning properties to prevent bruising after the administration.
Conclusion:
Though Botox is more common for its cosmetic use, its medical usage is also quite common. Apart from using this drug for removing wrinkles, and fine lines, nowadays, people are also using Botox injections to make their lips appear larger and fuller. While some people may find Botox too expensive, it is a much more budget-friendly option when compared to derma fillers and plastic surgery. If you are planning to use this treatment for medical use, it is highly possible that it is covered by your medical insurance so you don’t have to lose your sleep over the cost.
