Everything You Need To Know About Botox
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1. What it is: Botox is also called Botumlinum toxin (BTX) and is made from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin that is produced by a bacteria. The bacteria can be found in soil, forests, or lakes. The bacteria is harmless but problems could occur if it multiples rapidly. If this happens it will produce an extremely toxic bacteria that could cause respiratory failure and death. The illness is called botulism.
The purpose of botox is to temporary block nerve activity in the muscles. It's used to treat patients who have severe muscle spasms. However, in today's world when we hear the word botox, we mainly think of the ultimate solution to remove wrinkles and fine lines. It's the most popular cosmetic treatment around the world. The botox is injected in small doses which cause the facial muscles to become paralysed and it can last between three to four months. It's also used to treat excessive sweating, overactive bladders, eye squints, and migraines.
2. Pain: The botox is administered by diluting the powder in saline and injecting it into the tissue. It takes about 24-72 hours to take effect. Normally, it is not painful but it depends on the individual and their sensitivity of the needle. If the needle is too painful, the practitioner can apply an anesthetic gel to reduce the pain or discomfort.
3. Side effects and risks: Pregnant or lactating women should not use this. Side effects will vary from person to person and can include the following: numbness, swelling, mild nausea, malaise, mild pain, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, rashes, blurred vision, bleeding, wheezing, neck weakness, and much more. If you have other side effects, it's always best to contact your doctor.
4. Results: The results of botox are often very visible after five days. The skin will become smooth and the wrinkles and fine lines will diminish. For crow's feet (wrinkles around the eyes), the wrinkles won't be completely removed but the wrinkles will be less noticable. After three or four months, the botox will be gone and the wrinkles will reappear. It is advisable to renew the injections rather quickly. After the second session of injections, the results typically last longer and sometimes up to more than seven months.
5. Cost: The pricing ranges depending on where you go. Some surgeon's charge extra fees for the different type of botumlinum toxin that is used. Rates can range from £170 to £400 for a wrinkle treatment. However, injections for crow's feet will cost less. Cosmetic injections are not supported by your health insurance either. The price that is quoted by the surgeon typically includes follow-ups and consultations. Injections should be repeated about twice a year.
