It doesn’t matter if you are a professional surgeon, suffering from terrible wrinkles, or just trying to improve your looks, there is a good chance that you have tried tons of different beauty products over the years. In fact, you may have seen some success with many of the products. However, there is one product that is completely taking the market by storm and that product is Botox. Botox has grown extremely popular over the years for its many diverse uses and unique properties. While the effects are only temporary, the procedure is extremely quick and effective and requires absolutely no recovery time whatsoever. So, what exactly is this miracle cure?
Botox is a bacterium that is injected into the facial muscles where it blocks the nerves that cause your muscles to contract. Simply put, this injection temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles, which eliminates wrinkles and leaves the face looking young and rejuvenated.
What Is Botox Made Of?
Now, that you understand exactly what Botox, you are probably wondering exactly what it is made of. Well, Botox is basically a protein that is created from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is produced in a very controlled and restricted environment. With that being said, you might be surprised to learn that this protein was once associated with botulism, which is actually a type of poison that is developed from inappropriate packaging and canning of food. That is why this substance is created in such a controlled and monitored environment. Over the years the medical form of this bacterium has been proven to be extremely safe, as the doses are relatively small, as compared to what it would take to actually poison an individual.
While this product is synthetically made, it is one of the most well studied substances on the planet, and has been proven to be effective and safe when it comes to cosmetic procedures. That being said, it is imperative to make sure that you do in depth research on the physician and clinic that is administering the treatment, as they will be the ones creating this substance for your procedure. You want to make sure that you are only dealing with the most knowledgeable and qualified individuals possible.
What Is BTX Used For
Botox is without a doubt best known for smoothing wrinkles, but you might be surprised to learn that the substance has actually been approved for a variety of other applications. Some of these applications are cosmetics related, while others aren’t. For instance, back in 1992 a plastic surgeon in the Beverly Hills area noticed that when he administered the treatment his patients reported fewer headaches. It wasn’t long after this that the makers of Botox began testing the theory and it was proven that Botox could actually reduce migraine symptoms.
- Excessive Underarm Sweating – Some plastic surgeons began to notice that their patients were sweating less while undergoing Botox treatment. Once this was reported scientists outside the plastic surgery community began testing this theory and it was proven true that Botox can treat excessive sweating in the underarms, hands, and feet. In fact, in 2004 the FDA approved Botox as an effective treatment for sweaty hands and feet.
- Overactive Bladder – In one study it was proven that 70% of women that underwent Botox treatment actually experienced less bladder leaks. While it didn’t completely stop bladder leaks the 70% of women went from 5 leaks a day to only 3 leaks a day. However, it should be noted that there have been some reported cases of Botox completely shutting down the bladder, so a catheter might be necessary in some situations.
- Depression – Now, scientists are even contemplating that Botox might be able to cure depression symptoms. It is true that many doctors are skeptical and testing is still in the early stages, but there are a lot of individuals that are hopeful. The whole concept of the process revolves around facial feedback hypothesis, which basically is just a concept that says a person’s facial expressions and affect their moods.
- Premature Ejaculation – Premature ejaculation is a very serious condition that a lot of men suffer from. Well, since Botox numbs the nerves and muscles it was suggested that injecting the substance in the penis might be effective at treating premature ejaculation. The theory was quickly put into the testing stages and it was proven extremely effective. The FDA has approved Botox as an effective treatment for premature ejaculation.
- Neck Spasms – Some individuals suffer from extreme neck spasm what are the result of abnormal head positions. In 2000 Botox was actually approved by the FDA to treat severe neck spasms. It has been shown time and time again that Botox can be very effective for this specific purpose.
How Does BTX Work?
Botox works in a very unique manner, as it is capable of blocking the nerve impulses responsible for causing the frowning and squinting muscles to contract. This reaction decreases muscle activity on a temporary basis. While some people believe that BTX offers permanent removal of fine lines and wrinkles, it genuinely does not. But, it works extremely well to temporarily disable the facial muscles responsible for causing wrinkles.
The dermatologist injects BTX directly into the muscle, causing temporarily paralysis. Since BTX works so well to remove frown lines, it is very commonly recommended to treat the cheek area and the area around the mouth.
Contrary to believe, BTX is not very effective in treating permanent creases that develop when the facial muscles are relaxed. Most medical experts do not recommend BTX for deep creases for this very reason.
Botulinum Toxin Types
Botulinum toxin type A, OnabotulinumtoxinA, is made from bacteria that cause botulism. It is important to note that when your body is injected with botulinum toxin A that it is being injected with toxins that can spread to the surrounding tissues. If you have concerns about this life-threatening side effect, be sure to speak with your primary care physician prior to undergoing treatment.
Botulinum toxin B, RimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc), is made from bacteria that cause botulism. This type of botulinum toxin works the same manner as botulinum toxin type A, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved botulinum toxin type in late 2000.
Side Effects
There is absolutely no doubt that Botox will pose some risks. When undergoing Botox treatments, there is a pretty good chance that the patient will experience some minor side effects. The good news is that these side effects are short-term and they’re generally minor. Below, you will find a breakdown of the most common side effects associated with Botox injections.
- Injection site bruises and soreness
- Drooping eyelids
- Irritation and redness around the eyes
- Intense headaches
Whether acquiring Botox from MayLips or another source, these possible side effects will remain the same. Before getting Botox injections, it is a good idea to take eye drops. It is believed that this can help reduce the chances of suffering from these problems. The patient should also stop using blood thinners several days before the treatment. This will help them avoid suffering from bruising after the injections.
It is also important to realize that Botox is not suitable for everyone. Botox can be very risky for patients that are suffering from specific problems. For instance, pregnant or nursing women should never undergo Botox treatments. Anyone with weak facial muscles, thick skin, deep scars or multiple sclerosis should steer clear of Botox treatments. As long as the patient proceeds with caution, they should be able to reap the benefits of Botulinum Toxin injections without too many severe side effects.
More Serious Side Effects
There are a few more serious side effects that can come with Botox injections. These include infection, speech problems, numbness, breathing problems, swallowing problems, and even changes in vision. Initially, these side effects may convince the consumer that Botox injections are not worth it. Before ruling out this treatment option, the patient should know that the risks associated with Botox are very slim. In fact, the riskier side effects are very rare and most patients will never experience them. As long as the patient takes the time to find a good physician, they’ll most likely be able to get the results that they desire, without experiencing these problems.
The patient should consult with their primary doctor in advance. Learn as much as possible, before agreeing to get Botox treatments. This will ensure that you’re prepared for anything that could potentially go wrong.
Botox Vs Dermal Fillers
There are many people that believe Botox and dermal fillers are basically the same. The truth of the matter is that they do indeed share many commonalities. However, it is also vital to realize that there are many differences between the two as well. Botulinum toxin is slightly different and it may be used for different purposes than dermal fillers. Botox and dermal fillers are commonly used for the same purposes. For instance, they are frequently used to decrease the visibility of wrinkles on the face. Both are also administered in the same manner.
For your consideration, the most notable differences between Botox and dermal fillers will be explored in greater depth below.
Duration
First and foremost, it is pertinent to know that the impacts of both treatments will be temporary. In general, the results provided by Botox will normally last anywhere from three to four months. Dermal fillers normally provide longer results. On average, the impacts of dermal fillers will stick around for at least six months and they may remain for as long as two years. However, it should be known that there are various types of dermal fillers and the duration will depend on the specific type in question. It is entirely possible to prolong the results by getting touchup treatment occasionally.
Reversing The Effects
Another thing to remember is that it may be possible to reverse the effects of both treatments. However, the specific method of reversal will depend on the treatment in question. In order to reverse the impacts of dermal fillers, the patient will need to undergo treatment with hyaluronidase. This is true for certain dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm. The results of Botox cannot be immediately reversed. Instead, the patient will need to wait for the results to evaporate and disappear on their own.
The Costs Differ
When taking the time to carefully research both treatment options, you will quickly discover that the costs differ significantly. Dermal fillers are very diverse. There are various types of products and materials that are used for dermal filling. It is important to note that the costs will depend on the specific type of dermal fillers and the specific material. Botox is unique and will cost roughly five hundred bucks per session. With dermal fillers, the patient may pay anywhere from 650 dollars to two thousand dollars. It truly depends on the type of dermal filler the consumer prefers.
The consumer will need to discuss their options with their primary medical provider to determine their exact costs.
Can Be Used Together
Despite having many differences, Botox and dermal fillers are often used for the same purposes and they treat the same areas of the face. It should be known that both treatment options can often be used together to provide the patient with the results that they desire. It is very clear that both are very effective on their own. However, they can deliver even more dramatic results when combined. Therefore, the patient may wish to consult with their doctor to determine whether or not a combination of Botox and dermal fillers will be right for them. Just remember that the risks will be increased when both options are used in conjunction with one another.
Riskier Side Effects
Finally, patients should know that both treatment options come with side effects. However, it is widely known that dermal fillers are slightly riskier than Botox. While dermal fillers can deliver longer lasting results, they also pose more risks. Nevertheless, both options are fairly safe. Most patients should be able to undergo either treatment, without experiencing long-term negative side effects.
