Botox

What is Botox?

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a toxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It works by blocking the release of substances that facilitate nerve transmission and interrupts the communication between nerves and target organs. Halting nerve transmission leads to a reduction or complete cessation of the functions of the organ reached by the nerve.

This substance, producible in laboratory settings, has been used for various medical purposes for many years and has now become highly popular in the field of aesthetic applications.

The mechanism of action of Botox finds utility across numerous medical domains. In plastic surgery, it is commonly used to reduce facial lines caused by the movements of mimic muscles and to diminish excessive sweating in specific areas.

Getting Rid of Wrinkles and Lines with Botox

Botox, the easiest non-surgical method to alleviate the bothersome wrinkles on our face, has been safely and successfully utilized in cosmetics for a decade.

The constant movement of mimic muscles over the years accentuates the folds on the skin, leading to dynamic lines on the face. The most common dynamic lines occur on the forehead, between the eyebrows, around the eyes, and around the mouth.

Lines on the forehead and around the eyes give an older appearance, while the lines between the eyebrows create a frowning, angry look. By applying Botox to the mimic muscles, the movements of these muscles can be weakened. Diminished muscle movement reduces the folding of the skin and consequent creasing, resulting in an improvement in the appearance of an aging or angry face.

Medical professionals in cosmetics suggest that wrinkles are formed due to the contraction of muscles beneath the skin. When these muscles relax, wrinkles diminish or disappear completely.

The wrinkles most responsive to Botox treatment are those on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. Botox can also be used to treat laughter lines, neck, and chin wrinkles.

Changes in Eyebrows with Botox

Apart from wrinkles, Botox also serves as an alternative to surgical procedures in treating drooping eyebrows that give a tired appearance, shaping the eyebrows (lifting the eyebrows), and relaxing the contractions between and above the eyebrows that cause an angry expression. Following a Botox eyebrow shaping procedure, the eyebrows can be lifted by 1-4 mm.

Avoid Cheap Counterfeit Botox

One of the most crucial aspects of Botox treatment is its use in original brands and dosages. There is a wide variety of Far Eastern and Chinese Botox products available in the market. Patients should avoid extremely cheap and different brand names.

The effect of Botox is absolutely TEMPORARY, lasting from 4 to 6 months depending on an individual’s metabolism. Additionally, the frequency of application can extend this period. Another essential point to note is that after the effect of Botox diminishes, the individual will return to their pretreatment state without any worsening.

Although Botox treatments have been administered for a long time and no serious side effects have been officially reported, improper dosages and incorrect applications can lead to temporary side effects. Since the toxin is injected in very low amounts, the treatment is safe, and side effects are minimal.

The most common side effect may include minor bruising in the application areas. Other side effects such as drooping of the eyelids and eyebrows can be quickly rectified with corrective treatment. Additionally, asymmetrical elevation of the eyebrows that can be rectified with corrective measures may occur as a result of the treatment.

Does Botox Cause Paralysis?

The effect of Botox is not permanent, lasting an average of about 6 months. Therefore, it is not possible to speak of permanent paralysis. Its mechanism temporarily suspends the transmission of signals to muscles. Consequently, we are unable to move our mimic muscles sufficiently, and the wrinkles in these areas disappear.

Botox and Expressionless Face?

This belief is entirely erroneous. With natural Botox applications, you can move your muscles despite the Botox. Therefore, nobody will notice this change. However, some patients may not want their muscles to move at all. In such cases, injections are made with higher doses.

What Are the Side Effects?

Botox has no known side effects. Its effect is limited to the application area, is expelled from the body within 24 hours, and most importantly, the maximum effect—muscle relaxation—lasts for 6 months. Any redness due to the injection needle during the application will disappear shortly.

Excessive Sweating Treatment with Botox

Another application area of Botox is in the treatment of excessive sweating and related discomforts. Botox has found considerable use in recent years in addressing hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by intense sweating concentrated in the armpits, hands, and feet.

Stress, emetics, insulin, an overactive thyroid gland, adrenal gland diseases, menopause, hypoglycemia, obesity, medications used in the treatment of certain cancers, and hormones are among the main causes of excessive sweating. Sometimes, excessive sweating may appear structurally.

By injecting a very small amount of Botox into the intensely sweating area beneath the skin, it temporarily blocks the function of nerves reaching the sweat glands, preventing sweat production.

Botox is administered with very fine needles at frequent intervals to the area with excessive sweating. Improvement is observed within the first week after the application. The effect of Botox usually lasts between 6 to 8 months. When the effect starts to diminish, a second application is made. Temporarily halting excessive sweating from the sweat glands for a certain period helps alleviate sweating, particularly in the armpits, palms, and soles during summer months.