Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Botox Injections
When it comes to cosmetic injectables, nothing is more well-known than Botox.
Its popularity has soared over the years, not least because of all its different applications.
Botox is now the world’s most common cosmetic procedure, and it can also be used for a variety of medical purposes, as well.
But before you go through with any cosmetic or medical treatment, you need to ensure you know as much about it as possible, in order to make a well-informed decision.
So, if you’re considering Botox, and you want to know more about it, then you should continue reading.
Because in this article, we’re going to explain what Botox is, how it works, compare some of the different brands of this injectable, and talk about some precautionary measures for both before and after receiving Botox injections.
What Are Botox Injections?
Botulinum toxin, better known by its brand name, Botox, was pioneered for cosmetic use in the late ‘80s by Jean and Alastair Carruthers, a Vancouver-based ophthalmologist, and her dermatologist husband.
Believe it or not, this injectable is derived from a toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which is the microbe that’s known to cause botulism, a kind of food poisoning.
The medical community, and even the Carruthers’ colleagues, thought using Botox to treat patients was a crazy idea that would never go anywhere, but then, in 1989, the FDA approved Botox as a treatment for two different eye-muscle disorders, including crossed eyes, and uncontrollable blinking.
Alan Scott, whom Jean Carruthers worked with in the early ‘80s, was the first to notice that using Botox to treat these conditions had the fortunate side effect of relaxing frown lines, which didn’t interest him.
However, Jean and her husband were very interested in it, and they started trying to use it on people for cosmetic purposes, starting with their receptionist.
Still, Botox wasn’t approved by the FDA for cosmetic purposes until much later, in 2002, and the rest, as they say, is history.
How Do Botox Injections Work?
Botox’s main mechanism of action is to temporarily prevent a muscle from moving, which explains why it has such a wide range of seemingly unrelated applications.
It does this by blocking specific chemical signals that travel from nerves to muscles, which prevents the targeted muscles from contracting.
So, when Botox is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead, for instance, it does this by temporarily relaxing the muscles in the face that are responsible for these wrinkles.
Aside from its cosmetic uses, and the conditions mentioned above, this ability to block muscles from moving allows it to be used to treat a range of other health issues, including cerebral palsy, bladder dysfunction, excessive sweating, and even chronic migraines.
Potential Side Effects of Botox Injections
Like any other drug or treatment, Botox does carry a risk of side effects.
When administered by an experienced doctor, Botox injections are fairly safe, but it’s always good to understand the potential risks of any procedure you might want to undergo.
Typically, the side effects of Botox are mild, and include things like:
- Bruising, swelling, or pain at the site of injection
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
Although it’s rare, there is also a possibility of the toxin spreading throughout your body, which can cause even more serious symptoms. Even if you experience them weeks after the treatment, if you notice any of the following symptoms, get in touch with your doctor right away:
- Problems swallowing or speaking
- Losing control of your bladder
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
It’s also recommended that you refrain from getting Botox treatments if you’re allergic to cow’s milk protein, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
The Kinds of Botox Injections We Use
It’s important to note that while the word Botox is a blanket term for all injectables derived from the toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, it’s also a brand name for one of these injections, as well.
These injectables all contain similar components, with the active ingredient being the botulinum toxin, and each containing some form of human-derived albumin, which comes from a constituent of blood called plasma.
Each of the various brands has a slightly different formula, with some containing other ingredients like lactose, or preservatives such as sodium chloride and sucrose.
The two brands we use are known as Botox and Dysport.
Botox
We use Botox in our clinic to treat conditions such as migraines and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), but we don’t typically use it for cosmetic purposes.
It takes about 14 days after the treatment to experience its full effects, which will last about two and a half to three months.
Dysport
When it comes to using Botox for cosmetic purposes, we prefer to use a brand called Dysport.
Its full effects can be seen within two days, they’ll last between four to six months, and 98 per cent of our clients experience excellent results from this product.
What to Expect When Getting Botox Injections
Usually, people only experience minor discomfort when receiving these injections, but the doctor administering the toxin might use some form of anesthesia to numb the area, if necessary.
Then, the doctor will use a thin needle to inject very small amounts of the botulinum toxin into either your skin or muscles.
This may require a single injection, or multiple injections, depending on how large of an area is being treated.
And unless you show evidence of major side effects in the doctor’s office, you should be able to go home right after the procedure.
Things to Avoid When Receiving Botox Injections
As with any cosmetic or medical procedure, you should make sure you’re aware of things to avoid, which can pose potential dangers or negatively affect the outcome of the treatment.
Make sure to avoid the following items for two to three days before and after the injections:
- Alcohol
- Aspirin
- Advil
- Vitamins D & E
- Omega 3 & 6
- Ginger
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Garlic
It’s also essential to avoid strenuous exercise for at least two days after the treatment, and you should avoid anything else that will make you sweat, such as steam rooms, saunas, and hot showers for at least 24 hours post-injection.
Ideally, after getting the injection(s) you should also make sure to lie flat on your back when you go to sleep at night for the next two days.
In addition, it’s important to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area(s) for at least 24 hours, as this can cause the toxin to move into the wrong muscle.
Are you excited to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles using Botox, but want to know more about our range of cosmetic injectables? Visit our Beauty Aesthetics page, and if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.