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Botox
The vast majority of people have heard of Botox but it probably has more uses than most of us realise. The most common use of Botox is to improve the cosmetic appearance of the face and neck area by reducing wrinkles, crows feet and frown lines. It can also be used to improve the appearance of the lips by giving them a more defined look, so called Botox lips.
Botox is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that can be performed quickly and easily with very little recovery time needed. The Botox procedure typically only takes about 10 minutes and no anaesthetic is required. For most people there is minimal discomfort and Botox side effects are rare.
What exactly is Botox?
Botox is a drug that is derived from a toxin released by a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. It is classified as a neurotoxin as it works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals along the targeted nerve. It is extremely toxic if not used in the correct dosage and by fully a trained individual. However, in the right hands, it is a drug which can be used safely and successfully to treat many conditions.
How does Botox work?
Botox works by preventing the transmission of impulses along the injected nerve. By injecting Botox into the nerves that supply certain muscles within the face and neck, they can be prevented from contracting and consequently they relax. If a muscle stops receiving the signal from the nerve to contract, then it can no longer function. Botox can be used to relax all the muscles within the face and neck area and the most common muscle that is treated is the 'frown muscle' in the forehead. It is the contraction of this muscle that causes the deep wrinkles and furrowed brow appearance of the forehead. By preventing this muscle from contracting the forehead will become smoother and the lines and wrinkles will disappear. This same principle can be used to treat other lines and wrinkles of the face and the results are generally impressive.
How quickly does Botox work?
Although there is always variation between individuals, the effects of Botox will normally be first noticed after about 2 – 5 days of the initial injection. The results however will not reach a maximum until about 2 weeks after the initial treatment, at which point your appearance will be at its best. To read more about how quickly Botox works you can read the following guide: How long does Botox take to work?How long does Botox last?
On average the effects of Botox last for around 4 months but this can vary. After this time period in order to maintain the same results you will have to have the Botox injections repeated. Repeat Botox tends to have slightly longer lasting effects as there can be a thinning of the muscles that have been treated. There are various factors that affect how long Botox lasts ranging from age to the way in which Botox has been mixed. For a detailed guide on all the factors that affect how long Botox lasts you can read the following guide: How long does Botox last?
How much does Botox cost?
There is a wide range in cost of Botox injections but prices typically start from as little as £100 per treatment. There are various factors that will affect how much clinics will charge for your treatment such as the dosage required and the area of the face being treated. To read more about the factors that affect the cost of Botox you can read the following guide: Botox prices guide.What else can Botox treat?
As well as the cosmetic uses described above, Botox is also used to treat other problems and the main ones are as follows:- Migraines: Botox can be used in certain cases to treat adults who suffer from chronic migraines. This is not a common treatment for migraines but can offer relief to those who have tried conventional treatments without success. You can read more about this at the following link: Botox for migraines.
- Eye muscle problems: Botox can be used to treat certain eye muscle problems such as a squint. A squint is a condition where one of the eyes turns either in or out, which can significantly affect a person's cosmetic appearance. It can also be used to treat severe eye lid spasm (Blepharospasm) which has not responded to traditional medication.
- Cervical Dystonia: Botox can be used to treat cervical dystonia which causes severe shoulder and neck contractions.
- Excessive underarm sweating: Botox is considered an option for excessive sweating when standard skin products and treatments have failed to address the problem. You can read more about this at the following detailed guide: Botox for sweating.
More useful information:
The following are more guides that you may answer some of your other questions about Botox:Does Botox hurt?
Does Botox look natural?
Does Botox work on everyone?
Got a question about Botox? Ask it in our non surgical cosmetic forum
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