Botulinum Toxin - Botox

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum ... and diseases characterized by overactive muscle. Commercial forms are marketed under the brand names Botox and Dysport, among others.

Botox is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment, with more than 6 million Botox treatments administered each year. Botox is a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum, an organism found in the natural environment where it is largely inactive and non-toxic.

What is Botox used for?

Botulinum toxin is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying muscles. People also use Botox to treat excessive sweating, migraines, muscular disorders, and some bladder and bowel disorders. Botulism, an illness caused by botulinum toxin, can cause respiratory failure and prove deadly.

What does Botox do to your body?

So even though your brain my fire and signal for your body to move a particular muscle, Botox effectively blocks that firing and keeps the muscle from moving. The injected muscle can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften, and also helps prevent new ones from forming.

Is Botox safe for your face?

Botox is not a dermal filler. Instead, it blocks nerve impulses that cause muscles to contract and cause forehead wrinkles. ... Without a contracting muscle beneath it, the skin has a difficult time wrinkling. Facial lines that exist when your face is totally relaxed are not very good candidates for Botox.

How long does Botox last the first time?

Four to six months - Results last longer after several sessions, as the skin has more time to regenerate the collagen it needs to fill in those lines and wrinkles. When injected for cosmetic purposes, Botox lasts four to six months on average, but you can expect the effects of your first treatment to wear off faster.

How often do you need Botox?

Typically, the effects of Botox last for up to three to four months. Therefore, the recommended treatment is once every three to four months. Nonetheless, if your facial muscles begin to train themselves to contract less, the period of time for each treatment may be extended longer than three or four months.

Why does Botox take 2 weeks to work?

Botox results will not appear instantly. It takes 5 to 7 days before the effects of Botox start to work and for you to start to see a reduction in the lines and wrinkles on the face. It takes 2 weeks to see the full expression of the treatment with Botox that you get.

What should I avoid after Botox?

Here are some things you should and shouldn't do after getting Botox injections:

• Don't touch your skin where the Botox was injected.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity.
• Avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol.
• Avoid getting facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc. for 24 hours.