Botox is a cosmetic treatment that’s become more popular in recent years to erase the signs of aging. However, many people don’t realize that Botox can be used for other medical applications and to help stave off the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Here are 5 important things you should know about Botox treatments and how they work.
How Botox Works
The first thing to understand about Botox is what it is and how it works. Botox is derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. That means that it’s technically a toxin; however, it’s a completely safe form of this bacterium because it’s extremely diluted. The procedure is very safe as long as it’s used in a controlled environment with trained professionals, like at a dermatology clinic. Botox is a neurotoxin that prevents the nerves from sending messages to the muscles to contract. In essence, the nerves are paralyzed, which is actually beneficial for a number of treatments provided by Botox.
Uses of Botox
One of the most common treatments Botox is used for is to address the effects of aging. It smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles to virtually erase these signs of aging. There are other cosmetic uses of Botox as well, including injections to lift droopy eyelids, elongate the forehead, or slightly lift the lip or nose. There are medical uses for Botox as well. Some people find relief from migraines when receiving Botox injections. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can also be treated using Botox. Different areas of the body that are affected by overactive sweat glands can find relief from excessive sweating because Botox blocks the secretion of the chemical that activates the sweat glands.
Erasing and Preventing Wrinkles
Treating wrinkles with Botox is commonly done by a dermatologist in San Diego, CA. Facial wrinkles form when the muscles move and the overlying skin creases. Since Botox prevents these muscles from moving freely, these facial lines are far less noticeable and, in some people, they may disappear completely until the treatment wears off. In addition to treating wrinkles that have already formed, Botox can be used to help prevent future wrinkles. It’s a safe treatment for people of any age and can be helpful in younger people because reducing muscle movement can stave off the creases and lines that eventually form because of repeated muscle movement.
Side Effects
You can plan to experience very minimal side effects with Botox treatments as long as you trust a dermatology professional to do the treatments. There may be small bumps directly following treatment until the fluid is absorbed by the skin, but the bumps will disappear very quickly. Some people experience minor bruising or the face may be slightly blotchy or red for a few days.
Expected Results
Although you may not see results of a treatment for a few days, the Botox starts working as soon as it’s injected. The skin will become much smoother once the underlying muscles are unable to move and the results can last up to three or four months. One thing to note is that, when you receive Botox injections more frequently, you require a smaller amount of Botox for each treatment. The treated muscles will become weaker, which further diminishes the wrinkles. Your dermatologist can recommend a safe schedule to help you maintain these results. Contact Academic & Aesthetic Dermatology Consultants to learn more today.
Recent Comments