Never had Botox before and a bit cautious? Don’t fear… Our expert Botox consultant, Dr.Kornstein is here to explain all. Read on to find out all you need to know and more!
Botox. What Is It?
Botox is another name for botulinum toxin A. Botox is the brand name of the product made by the Allergan pharmaceutical company. When injected into a muscle, Botox will block the connection between the muscle and the nerves that move it.
Where Has It Come From And How Long Has It Been Around?
Botox has been used by physicians since the 1980s. Initially it was developed to treat muscle spasms of the eyelids and problems with the muscles that move the eyes. Later, doctors began studying its use for cosmetic reduction of frown lines between the eyebrows. Botox was approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic use in 2002.
The amount of Botox used for cosmetic purposes is very low and does not cause any serious effects outside of the area that is injected. People with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis are advised not to get Botox injections.
What Will It Do To My Skin? Will I Look Like A Frozen Statue?!
An experienced Botox injector will inject so that wrinkles are reduced without leaving a “frozen” appearance. There are no effects on the skin other than slight redness at the sight of the injection spots that can last between one to two hours following treatment.
Botox is approved and effective for use on the frown lines, “elevens” between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), for “crow’s feet” around the eyes (lateral canthus lines), and at reducing wrinkles on the forehead.
Botox is also approved for treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) from the armpits. In addition to these, some physicians use it for medical treatment of muscle spasms and migraine headaches.
How Long Will The Effects Last?
The effects of Botox usually last between 3 and 6 months.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Some people experience mild bruising at an injection site. Other rare side effects can include headache, allergic reaction and temporary drooping of the eyelids.
At What Age Should I Start Using Botox?
There is no specific age to start Botox. If you feel that frown lines, forehead lines or crow’s feet are bothering you, then you should consider a consultation to see if you are a candidate for Botox. Children are not appropriate candidates for cosmetic Botox treatments.
Usually the injection sites will look like small mosquito bites for approximately two hours after treatment. The peak effect of the treatment takes about ten days to develop. Most people do not have any significant bruising. If you are taking aspirin or blood thinners, please be aware that the risk of bruising increases.
Fancy finding out more? You might enjoy these posts:
https://www.skinbarnyc.com/2016/botox-ultimate-age-eraser/
https://www.skinbarnyc.com/2015/look-whos-having-botox/
https://www.skinbarnyc.com/2015/botox-has-a-new-best-friend/