Botox

What is Botox?

Botox injections are a popular solution for patients who prefer not to undergo surgery but who suffer from deep wrinkles or frown lines. Botox injections follow a simple logic: if an area of the face will not move then skin will not wrinkle and will appear youthful and smooth. Some confusion is often caused by the marketing of Botox Cosmetic. This is essentially the same as regular Botox and can be used for all the same purposes.

How does Botox work?

When injected into the face Botox relaxes muscles and lines and wrinkles will smooth out and stop from forming. Botox injections work on a deeper level than wrinkle fillers. While fillers target the dermis and work as a cushion to smooth out lines, Botox is injected directly into the facial muscles that are responsible for creating frown lines. Botox is most successfully used on forehead lines as well as crow’s feet around the eye area.

Other uses of Botox

Another use for Botox injections is the treatment of excessive sweating. Botox is injected into the underarm area where it inhibits the production of sweat and gives patients relief from severe sweating. It is important to remember that sweat will still be produced in other parts of the body. Fears of sweat build up in the Botox treated armpit are unfounded. When treating armpits with Botox sweat doesn’t go anywhere else, it just stops being produced altogether.

Patients with severe migraines may also benefit from Botox treatment. Although it is not completely clear why Botox helps with headaches it has been reported to improve migraines in a large number of patients.

The cosmetic Botox procedure only takes a few minutes and results last around 2-3 months, in some cases they can last up to 6 months. Complications and risks involved in Botox procedures include swelling or bruising around the place of injection and flu-like symptoms. It is important to choose a well-trained medical professional when undergoing cosmetic Botox treatment, bad placement of Botox can result in eye droopiness, a crooked smile or uneven eyebrows as well as eye tearing and dryness.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum Toxin is just another name for Botox. The name Botox often puts people off because of the presence of the word ‘toxin’ but they need not worry as Botox has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA).