Botulinum Toxin Injection (Botox)

Botulinum Toxin is available in the U.S. offered by multiple different manufacturers as different product names, but they are all commonly referred to by patients as “Botox”, which can temporarily paralyze facial muscles resulting in a smoother appearance. However, there are two main types of wrinkles – dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles are the lines that appear when you make facial expressions, such as crow’s feet around the eyes, horizontal forehead furrows, and frown lines. Static wrinkles are seen even when your face is at rest, even while not moving any facial muscles at all. Botox is best used to treat dynamic wrinkles; static wrinkles generally indicate age- and sun- related damage causing a loss of elasticity and volume, that Botox alone might not be as effective in terms of smoothing them out. However, if you start Botox early, before your wrinkles become static, the formation of wrinkles may be delayed. Our doctors like Botox’s anti-aging effect – with regularly scheduled injections of Botox, and consistent use of sunscreen and other skin protective care, patients can prolong their youthful appearance. So we believe the best time in your life to start a low-dose Botox regimen is actually your early 30’s, to prevent wrinkles before they begin.

Botox | Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Botox last?

Botox wears off the body three to six months following treatment, at which point muscles start moving again. As a result, wrinkles, migraines, and excessive perspiration may recur. You might decide to have more Botox injections to maintain its effect. However, you should get advice from your doctor on how frequently to have Botox treatments.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), an average treatment can involve 30 to 40 units of Botox, with a single unit costing between $10 to $15. ( our promotional price is between $9 to $12) Therefore, the cost of regular therapy can range from $300 to $600.

Each vial of Botox, when purchased, is 50 to 100 units. Some inject the forehead with about 10 to 30 units, but the manufacturer of Botox cosmetics, Allergan, recommends a dosage of 4 units each over five sites on the forehead, for a total of 20 units. Your doctor may begin by administering a small number of units in each injection. They will normally give you one to two weeks to observe how that dose affects you. Then, you might proceed to get a few extra units.

This will also make your doctor know the number of units you’ll need at subsequent appointments. Botox injections are typically spaced 3 to 4 months apart, and the effects might not be as noticeable right away when you start getting injections. Thus, you might discover that you need to revisit your doctor two to three months after the initial therapy.

Botox injections are generally safe when done by a qualified medical professional. However, potential complications are; 

  • Flu-like symptoms or a headache
  • Eyelid drooping or arched eyebrows
  • Drooling or a crooked smile
  • Dry eyes

Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Natural botulinum toxins can be found in contaminated food and soil. Botulism, on the other hand, is a severe condition caused by swallowing a lot of botulinum toxin or the penetration of the germs into a wound. The condition impacts breathing. Therefore, Botox is created in a lab for the best safety and effectiveness. The botulinum toxins are sterilized and diluted by technicians so they won’t result in botulism.

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are generally divided against Botox injections. Additionally, Botox should not be administered to anyone with a cow’s milk protein allergy.

As a neurotoxin, it works by attacking the neurological system. These chemicals interfere with the nerve signaling mechanisms that cause muscle contraction, temporarily paralyzing muscles. Botox injections block the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger, which is being released by the nerves at the point where muscle cells and nerve endings come together to cause any muscle to contract. When acetylcholine fails to bind to receptors on muscle cells, the cells refuse to contract.

The toxin aids in reducing muscular stiffness this way. A common application is to temporarily relax the facial muscles that causes wrinkles around the eyes and forehead using one or more of these injections. Additionally, Botox injections are also used to treat diseases that impact how the body operates.

Although results can vary, Botox effects usually last 3 to 4 months, depending on what it is being used for. Initial injections may lose their effects in less than three months

You won’t have to worry about severe discomfort because Botox injections aren’t meant to hurt. However, it is essential to mention that individuals who dislike needles could experience anxiety or pain while getting Botox injections. Botox injections provide true convenience for the least discomfort and downtime compared to cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion or chemical peels, which can require up to ten days of recovery.

Some of the adverse effects that may be experienced include swelling, redness, discomfort, or tenderness at the injection site, but they are usually moderate and go away in a few hours or days. Discuss any adverse effects, such as headaches, neck pain, vision issues, or allergic reactions, with your doctor.

Vigorous exercise improves blood circulation throughout the body. When you exert yourself fully on the treadmill, your face could appear flushed and red. Although exercising immediately after botox may boost blood flow, which is good for your skin and overall health. However, this may cause the substance to migrate to adjacent locations, making you risk experiencing adverse side effects, including sagging eyebrows and eyelids.

To ensure that the botox stays where it should be, wait at least 4 hours before engaging in moderate exercise. You should wait 24 hours following your treatment before engaging in hot yoga or other vigorous activity with a heart rate over 130. However, you are free to undertake whatever workouts you like after 24 hours.

Botox is effective for treating migraine headaches because it prevents the molecules known as neurotransmitters from carrying pain signals from your brain. Botox acts as a barrier by blocking the nerve endings around your head and neck before the chemicals reach there.

Some published recommendations specify the quantity of Botox needed to treat the most frequent facial locations. Most Botox practitioners start with these recommendations and then create a treatment plan for each patient (considering the patient’s present health and intended outcomes). The suggested dosage of Botox needed to treat typical locations is as follows:

  • Frown or Glabellar Lines: 15-25 Botox units
  • Crow’s feet: 5-15 Botox units per side
  • Forehead lines: 10-30 Botox unites
  • Eyebrows: 2-5 Botox units per side
  • Nasalis “Bunny” lines: 5-10 Botox units
  • Upper lip lines: 4-8 Botox units
  • Smile lift: 3-6 Botox units
  • Dimpled chin: 2-6 Botox units
  • Marionette lines: 2-8 Botox units
  • Pout boost: 2-4 Botox units
  • Gummy smile: 2-4 Botox units
  • Neck bands: 25-50 Botox unit

The only treatment for glabellar lines and crow’s feet that are on the above list are those that have received FDA approval. The additional therapies are regarded as off-label applications.

Even though Botox can temporarily stop nerve communication, the effects are rarely long-lasting. The effects of Botox typically continue for three to four months. Therefore, the recommended frequency of treatment is every three to four months. However, the length of each treatment may be extended beyond three or four months if your facial muscles start to contract less. As a result, working with a physician to develop a personalized treatment plan is essential.

Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you can resume working and engaging in most activities immediately following treatment. 

  • Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the treatment area for 12 hours to reduce redness, swelling, or bruising.
  • Remain upright for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Refrain from any physical activity for 24 hours.

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