Botox
More and more people are turning to cosmetic doctors for rejuvenation techniques to help their faces reflect the way they feel inside. One such rejuvenation technique is the BOTOX treatment. It can be used to relax specific facial muscles that cause facial wrinkles. The following information explains how BOTOX treatment works and what is involved in the treatment.
How and why do wrinkles form?
Many facial wrinkles form when we use our muscles to make facial expressions. The wrinkles formed during these expressions are called dynamic wrinkles. For example, when we smile our eye wrinkles become prominent and when we frown the vertical lines between our eyebrows become noticeable.
When we are young our skin springs back to its natural position after a facial expression, but as we get older dynamic wrinkles remain on the skin to form static wrinkles: they are wrinkles and folds that are present at rest. The process occurs because natural substances such as collagen (the major structural protein in skin), elastin (the protein that causes tissue to stretch) and hyaluronic acid (which gives skin volume) decrease with exposure to sunlight, smoking and stress all contribute to the creation of wrinkles and folds.
What is BOTOX treatment?
BOTOX is a natural, purified protein that relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles, creating a rejuvenated appearance. The active ingredient in BOTOX treatment is derived from bacteria in much the same way penicillin is derived from mould. It is manufactured in sterile laboratory conditions. BOTOX is a prescription-only medicine and treatment is only available from a qualified medical professional.
How does BOTOX treatment work?
BOTOX can be used to relax specific facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles (the wrinkles that are formed during facial expression). Once the muscles are relaxed, you cannot contract them preventing undesirable facial expressions. Thus, the lines gradually smooth and new lines are prevented from forming.
What areas of the body can be treated with Botox Cosmetic?
Cosmetically, the injectable can be used in the following areas:
- The area between the eyebrows (glabellar region), to treat moderate to severe frown lines
- Around the eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet lines
Botox also received FDA approval to treat various medical problems, including:
- Overactive bladder
- Excessive underarm sweating
- Lower limb spasticity
- Chronic migraines
What to expect after Botox Cosmetic?
Avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying any pressure to the treated area. These actions can cause Botox Cosmetic to spread to other areas of the body. This can negatively affect your results. When being injected between the brows, do not lie down or bend over for three to four hour. Doing so may cause the Botox to slip under the orbital rim. This could possibly cause an eyelid droop.
There is little to no downtime expected after the treatment. You should be able to resume normal activities immediately in most cases.
It’s important to understand possible improvements and have realistic expectations. Noticeable results can be expected within 1-2 days post-treatment. The full effect of Botox Cosmetic typically lasts up to four months. It can also help prevent the return of fine lines through relaxing the muscles.
Additional Botox injections can be administered to maintain your results.