For the past several decades, botox has been one of the most popular interventions in the beauty industry. It was a popular aesthetic treatment, especially among the rich and famous. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Simon Cowell, and many others have used it to improve their looks.

Botox is a household name these days. No doubt the celebrity factor played a big role in this. But while most know what it is, most people have no idea what it is made of or how it actually works. This is especially true for those who are considering the procedure for the first time.

The confusion among potential patients about the benefits and risks of Botox is not only due to the media hype, but also the abundance of misinformation that can be found on the internet.

The purpose of this article is therefore to provide evidence-based information about Botox – while dispelling some myths surrounding the procedure.

What is botox?

Botox is actually the trade name of a neurotoxin (botulinum toxin) that is made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Injections containing this toxin usually work by relaxing or paralyzing certain muscles, or by preventing certain nerves from working.

The mechanism of action of botulinum neurotoxin is complex. When Botox is injected into a target area of ​​the skin, a number of events occur within the body. This creates a neuromuscular block and inhibits the release of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in activating muscles). These actions ultimately lead to a temporary paralysis of the target muscle.

What does botox do?

Botox injections are efficient in minimizing unwanted facial lines like wrinkles caused by the aging process. These injections are typically used to correct cosmetic problems such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. They can also be used to slim the jaw line, combat excessive sweating in the palms, feet, and armpits, and treat migraines and cervical dystonia.

Does it hurt?

Most patients compare botox injections to acupuncture and rate it as less painful than a traditional injection. However, there may be mild discomfort when the procedure is applied directly to frown lines. In this case, your specialist can recommend and apply topical anesthesia.

Is there an age limit for botox?

There is no specific age limit for those who want to take face injections. However, qualified professionals generally do not treat anyone under the age of 18 unless they are treating a specific medical condition.

Wrinkles or other facial problems are a major concern for older adults as they become noticeable as they age. Individuals under the age of 18 are too young so there is little or no chance of facial problems such as wrinkles.

There is also no age limit. In most cases, the only difference in age is how the treatment is used or the amount of botox needed for a particular condition. Other than that, age is rarely a consideration. In fact, botox tends to have dramatic and visible effects on the elderly.

Difference Between Botox Treatment In Men And Women

• Physiological difference. To get the results they want, men need a higher dosage of botox compared to women, especially around the eyes and forehead. The main reason for this is that there is a physiological difference between facial muscle strength and skin thickness in men and women.
• Aesthetic difference. Cosmetic treatments for men and women are aesthetically different. For example, most women want a pronounced arch in their eyebrow to enhance their appearance. Botox treatment is more subtle in men and most of them just want to erase the obvious signs of aging without giving up their emerging appearances. Hence, various techniques of injecting botox are used to maintain gender specificity.

How many units of botox are needed?

Everyone is different in their biological structure. Depending on individual skin characteristics, some may need more neurotoxin while others may need less.

If you are ready to take the pictures, it is important that you discuss the treatment with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Your surgeon is best able to advise you on the risks involved in treatment. A follow-up exam, as requested by your doctor, will allow you to assess and better measure future botox uses to achieve your desired look.

How long does it take?

In general, the results from botox injections can take five to fourteen days to show the effects. Your eyes and forehead furrows will be significantly reduced within a few days after the procedure.

Patients are advised to speak to their doctors two to three weeks after vaccination. This will allow the doctor to review the results and record the effects of botox for future treatments.

The effects of botox injections are not permanent; Therefore, the recipients will need repeated recordings to keep the effects. In about the third month, only 50% of the treatment effects are visible. Within 4 months this will drop to 20% and after 6 months there will be no more visible changes.

To keep the effects up, you may need to take photos at least 2-3 times a year.

The downtime and appearance right after treatment

For most patients, what they look like immediately after the procedure is important.

After a shot, the muscles around the injected area are temporarily paralyzed. This temporary debilitating effect will make you unable to frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows. Therefore, make-up should not be worn for at least three hours after a botox treatment.

Some people may notice tiny red spots around the injected area, but they will go away quickly. In most cases, when you get home, they’re gone.