[ad_1]
Botox is the brand name of a type of toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The toxin has different medicinal purposes based on the specific type used, ranging from type A to type G.
Type A, the most powerful, is marketed under the names Botox, Xeomen and Jeuveau, and Dysport. All are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for the purpose of reducing facial wrinkles and horizontal forehead lines. Other FDA-approved uses include the treatment of migraine, strabismus (crossed eyes), blepharospasm, torticollis, and bladder problems.
The Botox has largely become the catch-all term for all these products, even among those receiving Dysport or Myobloc injections. Although the results may vary, all of the formulations work quite similarly.
Botox works by temporarily disabling the facial muscles that cause wrinkles – specifically, those associated with crow’s feet, wrinkles at the corner of your eyes, and frown lines between your eyes. Botox can do this by directly blocking the facial nerves that tell your muscles to contract.
Once injected, the muscle is basically paralyzed, leading to a reduction in so-called “dynamic wrinkles” (wrinkles that only exist when the muscles contract). This is why Botox is so effective on wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks (seen when we smile) and in the corners of the eyes (seen when we squint, frown and grimace).
Not all wrinkles are treated equally. As we age and lose elasticity in our skin, a permanent crease can sometimes develop even when the muscle is relaxed. While Botox can’t erase these deep wrinkles, it can help soften them.
Botox is not reversible after injection, but its effectiveness slowly wears off. Its effects usually begin within 48 hours of injection and are felt within five to 10 days. The results only last three to five months, so you will need another treatment to maintain the anti-wrinkle results.
Studies published in 2015 showed that people who get Botox injections are generally satisfied with the results.
In the end, it’s always important to be realistic about what Botox can and can’t do. In addition, improper use of Botox can lead to what many call a “frozen face,” a condition that ends up emphasizing the procedure rather than the wrinkles it’s meant to hide. Always check the credentials of the professional who intends to give you the downloads and ask for references from current or former clients.
Bibliography:
- American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Learn more about Botox, Dysport & Xeomin.
- Walker TJ, Dayan SH. Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(2):31–39.
- Rivers JK, Bertucci V, Mcgillivray W, et al. Subject satisfaction with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of glabellar and lateral canthal lines using a new patient-reported outcome measure. Dermatol Surg. 2015;41(8):950-9. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000424
[ad_2]
Source link
