What is Botox and what is it used for?
Botox has been on the rise in the field of plastic surgery for over 20 years. Botox is a bacterium used to improve facial wrinkles and excessive sweating in the arms. However, in large doses, it can cause damage to the body. This bacteria, called botulism, is the same bacteria that causes food poisoning. Although this bacteria can be dangerous, it can be used in small doses as a muscle relaxant to relieve excessive sweating and facial wrinkles.
How exactly does Botox work?
When using Botox, the fungus is diluted in small amounts and injected into the facial muscles. This causes nerve cells to cool down by blocking harmful chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract, which can help treat fine lines and wrinkles. Once the muscle contractions are released, the skin becomes smoother and also looks younger. Many people often hear that they lose their facial expressions after this procedure, but this is not true. With the right injections, the facial muscles are not completely paralyzed, but their reaction is simply suppressed. In addition, the treatment only lasts a few weeks. So if you’ve had a bad experience with Botox, your face will return to normal after treatment.
Is Botox right for you?
It’s important that you educate yourself about everything beforehand. Botox treatments are now widespread, well-established, and recognized. You should make sure that the procedure is performed by a reliable and qualified doctor. Do not use it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological condition. If you are taking prescription drugs, antibiotics, or medications to regulate your heart rate, Botox may have a negative effect on your body. That’s why your doctor will ask you about your medical history at the beginning of treatment. The good thing about Botox is that the procedure only takes a few minutes and does not require anesthesia.
What to expect after a Botox injection
Recovery is not too difficult and happens fairly quickly, so you can resume your daily activities within minutes of the procedure. During the procedure, you may experience facial discomfort, such as headaches, so you will need to rest for a few hours after the procedure. It is also advisable to lie on your back to allow the bacteria to spread to other parts of the face; within a week, you should be able to feel the full effect of the injections. The wrinkle-improving effect of Botox usually lasts between three and five months, depending on the individual. The main advantages of this procedure over other invasive methods are the short recovery time and the affordable price.
A facelift by a surgeon would be more expensive than a simple Botox treatment and would carry greater risks. However, the downside of this procedure is that it must be done multiple times if you want to maintain your appearance. This means that the price will increase over time, as opposed to paying a large sum of money all at once. Before opting for this procedure, it is important to gain the necessary knowledge. Always consult your doctor and discuss your treatment plan before making any major decisions.
About Author
Sara is a freelance writer, linguist, and communications expert based in Southern Europe. At age 10, she read a book called “1001 Questions about the Human Body” and has since dedicated her life to breaking down the complexities and myths around the human body like botox injection and the culture surrounding it, especially in relation to mental and physical health. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
