What is BOTOX?
Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium from which Botox or other brands of botulinum toxin such as Dysport are derived, is found in many natural settings, including soil, lakes, and forests. At a certain point, the bacteria begin producing botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin, which can be potentially dangerous in larger doses. Neurotoxins target the nervous system, disrupting the signaling processes that allow neurons to communicate effectively.
How does BOTOX work?
In order for muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical messenger, acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter), at the junction where the nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the muscle cells to contract or shorten. Injected botulinum toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine, preventing contraction of the muscle cells. Botulinum toxin causes a reduction in abnormal muscle contraction, allowing the muscles to become less stiff.
What can be done with BOTOX?
Botulinum toxin is predominantly used as a treatment to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines. There are more than 20 medical applications for botulinum toxin, outside aesthetics, however at Swan Medical Spa we only provide aesthetic services. Another application of BOTOX is in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Individuals with hyperhidrosis suffer from excessive sweating, which is a common disorder which produces a lot of unhappiness. An estimated 2% - 3% of Americans suffer from excessive sweating of the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis). BOTOX treatment can be performed to correct the excessive sweating, which can save you from the embarrassments that might come with it. In summary BOTOX treatment can be used for two main cosmetic procedures, one is to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and the other is to help with hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating.
When will I see results?
The results of the treatment will be seen within 48 hours to a maximum of a week from the treatment and is expected to last between 4 to 6 months, after which the effects of the treatment are gradually lost and appearance of fine lines start becoming visible to the naked eye, which calls for re-treatment.
Precautions and side-effects of BOTOX:
Practitioners all over the world have been making result-oriented usage of Botox injections in the domain of cosmetic surgery. It has proven to be a successful treatment for facial wrinkles and creases. This procedure is short and does not require anesthesia. Without causing any major discomfort, the Botox injection needle is injected into specific muscles. Strict avoidance of alcohol, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines is advised before and after the treatment. Temporary bruising and mild headaches are the only possible side-effects. These also get resolved within one or two days. The treated area should not be rubbed for at least 12 hours.
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