The use of Botox is nothing new, although the reasons for its use have expanded over the years, in particular over the last two decades.
The story behind it began back in 1978 when Dr. Alan B. Scott first injected small amounts of botulinum toxin into people who had volunteered for his tests. Back then the injections were used to treat the eye condition, strabismus.
A lot has changed in the decades since, including the introduction of the Botox brand name, in the 1980s. It was also in the 1980s that Botox was first used for cosmetic treatments and procedures as it was found the injections could help to get rid of wrinkles.
Mostly used around the forehead and eyes, Botox treatment is now a hugely popular cosmetic treatment, but how does it work to reduce wrinkles?
What is Botox?
Let’s start by looking at what Botox actually is.
This product, which has helped to improve the lives of millions of people is a form of neurotoxin called botulinum toxin. The toxin is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium.
This is not as scary as it might sound.
Botox treatments are generally considered to be safe because only a tiny amount of the toxin is used on a patient. Each injection contains enough Botox to be effective but not enough to cause any harm.
Why use Botox to Reduce Wrinkles?
As we have explained, Botox is a form of toxin. When Botox is injected in small amounts, it stops a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine from being released.
The acetylcholine tells the muscle cells in your body when to contract.
When Botox stops the acetylcholine from being released it is no longer able to give messages to the muscles, so the cells no longer contract.
This means that the affected muscles are not as stiff as they were, leading to the reduction of wrinkles.
The Botox Process Explained
If you are thinking of opting for Botox treatment at the Pour Moi Cosmetic Clinic in order to reduce your wrinkles, you can discuss any concerns you might have when you book an appointment or attend for treatment. But, the general Botox treatment process is as follows:
- A small amount of Botox is injected into neuromuscular tissue.
- The effects of the treatment usually start to be felt within 72 hours.
- Full effects should be felt within 7 days.
Here are some important things that it’s useful to know about the Botox treatment process.
- The first treatment may produce only partial results. This is normal.
- The process does not require any form of anaesthesia.
- The process is not painful but you may experience a stinging sensation.
How Often Do You Need Botox?
One of the most important things to remember is that you will usually need less regular Botox treatments over time. This is because the treatments lead to the muscles becoming less strong, and more relaxed overall.
To begin with you will probably need to have injections every 3-4 months. But the period between injections will usually extend to around 6 months. You can get advice about future treatments when you attend for the current one.
Is Botox Treatment Always Appropriate and Effective?
Botox treatment is an affective and safe way to reduce wrinkles. But, it is not recommended for everyone, and it does not work for every type of wrinkle. If you have wrinkles that are caused by damage from the sun, or are due to gravity, Botox will not reduce them.
You should not have treatment with Botox if you are:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Suffering from a neurological disease.
If you have any doubts, you should speak to your doctor before undergoing treatment. They can help you understand whether Botox treatment is right for you.
Are There Any Side Effects from Botox?
Significant side effects from Botox are not common. The issue you are most likely to come across is a small amount of bruising. You can help to reduce the likelihood, or amount, of bruising by not taking any anti-inflammatory medication, or any aspirin, for a couple of weeks before you have the injection.
You may also experience some drooping of the eyelids after treatment. This does not last very long, and you can help make it less likely to happen. The drooping is often caused when you rub around the treated area and spread the Botox. So, you should not do this in the first 12 hours after you have been treated.
As with any treatment or medication there are can be some rare side effects including;
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Blurred vision
It’s highly unlikely that you will experience these side effects, or others, but if you have any concerns you should seek medical advice.
Since it first began being used for cosmetic purposes, back in the 1980s, Botox has rapidly grown in popularity as a means of reducing wrinkles. It’s a safe, and non-invasive method of attaining a smooth and fresh appearance for your skin.
If you would like to talk to us about a Botox treatment, then please get in touch with us today.