Botox Treatment: Definition, Benefits, Before & After Results, And Other Considerations

Botox has gained significant rep in the cosmetic industry in recent years — mostly owing to the fact that most of its proponents are celebrities and other notable individuals. Regardless of some negative connotations attributed to the treatment, it has garnered greater mainstream acceptance.

In general, experts consider Botox to be an anti-ageing treatment. Given its reputation, it is also sometimes referred to as the “anti-wrinkle injection.” The product’s popularity is based on its precision and effectiveness under the guidance of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. But there is more to this drug.

What is Botox Treatment?

Botox therapy is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting Botox, a protein derived from Botulinum toxin, into facial muscles to temporarily tighten and relax them. When injected into the face, it inhibits facial movement that creates wrinkles and smooths out the skin.

It is also effective in removing lines and wrinkles (without cosmetic procedures like fillers and facial peels). A patient can expect to see visible and immediate results after receiving a Botox injection.

However, there are certain risks associated with the therapy. To name a few, there’s facial paralysis (frozen face), drooling, and droopy eyelids. Even worse, the Botulinum toxin is lethal.

One gram of this substance in its crystalline form is enough to kill one million people. At the absolute least, 2 kg is more than enough to kill everyone on earth. But when used in little doses, the procedure is extremely safe.

Are Botox and Fillers the Same Thing?

To clear up the air, Botox isn’t the same as fillers. The former targets the muscles precisely, whilst the latter adds volume to the target area to even out its surface. Fillers come into play if the treatment area is too deep for Botox treatment.

While Botox uses Botulinum toxin produced from the bacteria “Clostridium botulinum,” dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid, fats, or proteins. The commercial toxin comes in various product types, like:• Botox or onabotulinumtoxin A• Xeomin or incobotulinumtoxin A• Jeuveau or protabotulinumtoxin A• Dysport or abobotulinumtoxin A• Myobloc or rimabotulinumtoxin B

The common term for these products remains Botox.

Treatable Conditions and Duration

Botox effectively treats crow’s feet, frown lines, horizontal forehead creases, cobblestone-like skin, and marionette lines. Other conditions include:• Migraine• Cervical dystonia• Upper limb spasticity• Hyperhidrosis or underarm sweating• Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes• Blepharospasm, also known as eyelid spasms

Botox is also known to work for non-FDA approved procedures, like:• Blistering lesions• Keloids• Vulvodynia• Psoriasis• Alopecia• Post-herpetic neuralgia• Achalasia• Anismus• Keloids• Hidradenitis suppurativa• Facial redness• Dyshidrotic eczema• Sialorrhea

The injector infuses the botulinum toxin into the muscle to paralyze it. The paralytic effect lasts about 3 months during which the cosmetic surgeon can inject a total of 12 to 15 units.

Cosmetic patients should not receive Botox injection more than once a year because it has no antiperspirant effect and might cause skin allergy if done too frequently.

How the Procedure Works

A cosmetic surgeon first dilutes the Botulinum toxin. Following that, the fluid is administered into the neuromuscular tissues. It usually takes few minutes to complete the process. Patients don’t need local or general anaesthesia.

Depending on the type of treatment, full results might be seen in one to 10 days. The procedure is sufficient to sustain the treated area for up to 12 months, during which new receptors in the muscle tissues will develop.

Botox is not ideal for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. It is also not recommended for individuals who have allergic reactions to the constituents used to produce the drug or those who develop an infection where the injection is to be administered.

What to Do Before Treatment

Before undergoing Botox treatment, a cosmetic patient should consider the following:• Find out if the treatment is ideal for the skin condition• Find out more about the treatment by conducting some research• Avoid specific medications, like blood thinners, muscle relaxants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages or smoking cigarettes• Apply an icepack to the treatment area• Cleanse the skin to avoid contamination• Maintain a calm demeanour to ease the procedure• Apply arnica cream to the treatment area to minimize bruising• Keep the treatment objective in perspective

What to Do After Treatment

Following a course of cosmetic treatment, the procedure usually leaves behind superficial cuts and bruises. These need to be treated at an appropriate time. Patients should follow the treatment provided by their dermatologists.

It is important to take certain steps after the procedure to ensure that the desired results are maintained and it does not leave any unexpected results.• Avoid making physical contact with the treatment area, such as rubbing, touching, or exerting pressure. • Exercise the facial muscles gently• For the next 24 hours, don’t wear any makeup• On the first night, try not to sleep face down• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures• For the following 24 hours, stay away from strenuous activity• Maintain an upright face for the next 4 hours• Use SPF moisturizer that is designated “sunblock” or “SPF 15 or higher”

It is worth noting that the injected Botulinum toxin may spread beyond the treatment area, leading to problems, including breathing difficulties. This condition may affect some people more than others.

Genetics, on the other hand, might be a contributing influence. As a result, a patient’s medical history and other personal information concerning the therapy should be shared with the doctor upfront.

Botox Injection Cost

Given its reputation, Botox is also one of the most expensive cosmetic procedures available, with costs that start at around $400 per injection. While most patients would probably baulk at paying that much out-of-pocket for such a treatment, they also have to consider the fact that getting a professional facial can be a more expensive venture.

Scratching beyond the surface, Botox treatment costs depend on several factors, like:• Performing clinic• Cosmetic surgeon professionalism• Botox units required for treatment• Purpose of treatment, whether it be either cosmetic or medical

For medical purposes, a cosmetic patient’s health insurance can cover the cost. To be on the safer side, confirmation should come before treatment.

In Conclusion

Botox injection is dangerous and should only be administered by highly trained cosmetic surgeons. When done correctly, the results are stunning and long-lasting. It may also be a strong reason to consider injectables over plastic surgeries.

Additional resources: 

• Learn more about undergoing a botox treatment before making the leap
• Common misconceptions about injectable steroids 
• Things to know before getting botox