Botox Cosmetic is not just for wrinkles anymore. The safe and effective toxin is used for everything from quieting migraines to temporarily stopping hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. But for a minute, take a step backwards – do you know the basics of Botox? What it is and how it works? The experts at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique are here to answer your basic Botox questions.
What exactly is Botox?
Botox is made from botulinum toxin type A, produced from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although this is the same toxin that causes food poisoning, botulism, Botox is made using a very small amount of botulinum, making it completely safe.
How does Botox smooth wrinkles?
Facial muscles repeatedly release acetylcholine and contract, eventually causing wrinkles to form. These are most prominently seen in the delicate tissue that crinkles with emotions and stress, like that around the eyes and forehead. Botox, injected into these muscles, temporarily stops the release of acetylcholine, thus relaxing the area and smoothing wrinkles.
What problem areas can be treated with Botox?
As Botox relaxes the targeted muscles, it will ease the wrinkles associated with these areas. The most commonly treated places include Crow’s Feet (at the corners of the eyes), forehead creases, and Frown Lines (between the eyebrows). Botox is also used frequently to stop excessive sweating under the arms and along the palms of the hands.
How soon will I see the results from my Botox injections?
The results from Botox are not immediately noticeable. As the injectible slowly relaxes the muscle, the associated wrinkles will begin to smooth and fade. Most patients will start to see changes in one week, and full results will appear within two weeks.
How long do the results of Botox last?
Botox provides temporary wrinkle reduction. Benefits of treatment will last from three to four months. As the results fade, a maintenance treatment can be safely performed, extending the wrinkle-free benefits of Botox for another three months.
Is Botox safe?
Botox Cosmetic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles. Side-effects are mild, including bleeding, bruising, tenderness, nausea, and headaches. Bigger complications, such as infection, nerve damage, sagging tissue, and asymmetry are rare – especially when patients put their trust in a board certified plastic surgeon. Furthermore, Botox has been deemed a safe treatment by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
This is just the beginning of the story, however. Botox has been the number one, non-invasive cosmetic procedure for the almost the last decade. Last year alone, more than 7 million Botox treatments were performed in the United States. Don’t you think it’s time you learned what Botox can do for you?
Contact Houston’s Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique at 281.407.9549, or fill out our handy, online Contact Us form, to schedule your free Botox consultation appointment.