Botox treatment has become the most preferred cosmetic procedure in the United States. The treatment is not just limited to aesthetic benefits but also has medical benefits. According to medical reports, over 3.6 million people get Botox every year in the country. The United States still bags the first position for being the leading market of Botox treatments.
This treatment is popular because it works for anyone regardless of age and helps them get younger and finer skin and hair. This article will talk about the Botox treatment in detail; what you should know about this treatment before getting one, and the different benefits and risks of getting a Botox treatment.
So, let’s get into it.
What Is Botox Treatment?
Botox is an injectable muscle relaxer treatment. The main component of this injection is botulinum toxin type A, especially OnabotulinumtoxinA which temporarily paralyzes the muscles.
OnabotulinumtoxinA received FDA approval in 1989 mainly for therapeutic use and after the approval, it was rebranded as Botox.
In 2002, Botox got FDA approval as a temporary cosmetic treatment for treating fine lines and wrinkles. Later in 2013, it was approved by the FDA for treating wrinkles around the corners of the eyes.
A clinical study published in the year 2016 has proved that Botox is safe and effective for wrinkle reduction. It has been used for preventing migraine, neck spasms, lazy eye, cross-eye, excessive sweating, overactive bladder, and more.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox injections work by temporarily blocking the nerve signals and stopping the muscle contractions. This can reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and between the eyebrows. It can also slow down the formation of new fine lines by preventing facial muscle contractions.
No incision or general anesthesia is required for this treatment. In this procedure, five injections of botulinum type A will be injected into the targeted areas and the whole procedure will only take 10 to 12 minutes. The results can be expected within 1 to 2 days post-treatment.
Botox Before And After Result
What Conditions Can Be Treated With Botox?
Commonly, Botox injections are used to treat signs of aging. It can help smoothen the fine lines and wrinkles on various parts of the face, such as:
- Eyebrows
- Nose
- Eyes
- Lips
- Chin
- Jawline
- Forehead
- Neck
Botox injections can also help reduce body pain by blocking nerve signals. The injections have been successfully used for treating:
- Neck pain
- Nerve pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Pelvic pain
- Sciatica pain
How To Prepare For A Botox Treatment?
Since Botox is a non-surgical treatment, it only requires very little preparation. You should get the treatment from a licensed practitioner. You should remove all the makeup and cleanse the face before starting the procedure. It is also important to follow all the instructions given by the physician and avoid taking blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin.
The Risks And Side Effects Involved In Getting A Botox Treatment
The risk and side effects of botulinum injections can vary depending on the area that is being treated. Some of the common side effects of getting a Botox treatment are:
- Pain or bruising at the treated area.
- Headache.
- Neck pain.
- Eye irritation.
- Blurry vision.
- Tiredness.
If the side effects do not subside within a few hours, you should contact your physician immediately.
Instructions To Follow After A Botox Treatment
Even though the side effects after a Botox treatment are not severe, there are some aftercare instructions to follow.
- Do not rub your face
Rubbing your face after a Botox treatment can cause the injected OnabotulinumtoxinA injection to move from the target muscle. Be gentle and careful with how you are treating the skin.
- Avoid napping after the treatment
You should not lie down or keep your face resting, such as on a pillow or in your hand. Applying pressure might cause the injected OnabotulinumtoxinA to move around.
- Keep away from the sun and heat
Excess sun exposure and heat can accelerate the bruising. So, avoid heat and sun as much as possible.
- Avoid taking blood thinning medicines
Medicines such as aspirin, fish oil, and ibuprofen can thin the blood y and can enhance the bruising.
- Avoid physical training
Do not hit the gym or get any training exercises after getting a Botox treatment. Sweating can cause blood vessels to dilate and the OnabotulinumtoxinA to disperse.
How Long Does A Botox Treatment Last?
A Botox injection will last anywhere between three to six months. After the said period, it will start to wear off, the muscle will regain its movement, and start contracting. To maintain the results, one should get a Botox injection every 3 or 6 months. You can discuss this with your physician and do as advised. For reference, you look at the before and after pictures of a Botox treatment.
Conclusion
Botox cosmetic treatments are relatively safe and effective. However, it is important to get the treatment from a licensed practitioner and take good care of your skin after the treatment. The results can last up to 3 or 6 months. For additional treatments, you should contact your physician.
