Over the past couple of decades, there have been several developments in the world of medicine. Researchers have developed cures for many diseases, as well as vaccines for many more. They have also found ways to address ever-increasing demands for anti-aging treatments. One of these advancements is the development of Botox injections.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a compound derived from a species of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is commonly found in water bodies, soil, and the bodies of mammals and aquatic creatures. Although Botox is naturally produced, it is also synthetically manufactured in laboratories because of its wide range of benefits to humans.
How Does It Work?
The botulinum toxin produced by the bacteria is known to have many therapeutic uses. When injected in very small concentrations, the toxin safely relaxes muscles by blocking signals from nerve cells. This results in the reduction of abnormal muscle contractions, making the muscles less stiff. As a result, the skin can be flat and smooth.
What Are the Uses of Botox?
The most common use for Botox is cosmetic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. It is injected into different parts of the patient’s face, where it affects the muscles. The product slowly causes the facial muscles to relax, leading to the erasure of wrinkles.
Besides aesthetic applications, the product is used to treat various other health conditions. These include:
- Chronic migraines
- Blepharospasm (the uncontrolled spasms of the eyelids)
- Crossed eyes, or strabismus
- Idiopathic rotational cervical dystonia, or severe spasms of the muscles in the shoulders and neck
- Addressing spasticity in upper limbs after a stroke
- Overactive bladder
- Hemifacial spasms
How Is the Procedure Performed?
Botox is most commonly used in cosmetic procedures to treat signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. Getting Botox injections does not require a lot of time; the entire treatment is finished in a matter of around 15 minutes.
The procedure does not require any anesthesia. Once the areas to be treated are identified, Botox is gently injected into these areas through fine needles. The only discomfort is from the needle pricks.
The product slowly spreads through the muscles in the treated areas, causing them to relax and loosen. There is no downtime to this procedure, and the patient can return to their regular routine immediately after the treatment.
Normally, results are apparent within a week or two. The effects of Botox injections last anywhere between three and six months. Muscle action will slowly return and so will the fine lines and wrinkles, so Botox injections require periodic follow-up treatments.
Make Your Appointment for a Consultation Today
If you are interested in having Botox injections, consult a skilled board-certified medical professional. Dr. Alexander Golger is an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon with numerous satisfied patients. After discussing your desired results with you, Dr. Golger will determine the right treatment for your age lines and wrinkles.
To arrange an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Golger, contact us today.