Botox is comprised of the botulinum toxin type A, an agent that is derived from bacteria that induces botulism. Botulinum is a toxin that has the ability to block nerve activity in the muscles.
Administration
Firstly, we will look into how botox treatment is executed. Botox is able to obstruct signals that are disseminated from the nerves to the muscles. The muscles that are exposed to botox injections are unable to contract as a result.
Naturally, this means that the muscles cannot become tight and the treatment allows them to relax and even soften in some cases. Generally, the toxin is administered using a fine needle into the specific muscles. Patients who are exposed to the treatment only experience mild discomfort in the process.
In total, the procedure only lasts for a few minutes and can be done without anesthesia. Typically, it takes a few days before the effects of botox begin to manifest. At the most, within a fortnight, patients experience a change.
Also, patients who undergo botox are strongly urged to refrain from the consumption of alcohol before they are subjected to the injection. They are also advised to avoid any anti-inflammatory medicine a few days before the procedure is scheduled. This is because such measures lower the risk of bruising that may occur in the aftermath.
Recovery
Naturally, there are instances where individuals should reconsider or postpone exposure to botox injections. For example, a woman who is expecting or breastfeeding should not have botox administered on their muscle(s).
Additionally, those who are patients of a neurological disease or are allergic to albumin should also stay away from injections. Botox may work wonders but there are still caveats where the procedure is unable to rectify certain wrinkles. Therefore, those who are interested should ideally consult a doctor before they opt for botox.
In terms of recovery post op, the effects of these injections can last anywhere between four to six months. With the passage of time, muscle action is restored as the effects of botox begin to wear off. This means that lines and wrinkles that were initially apparent on an individual’s face for example, will emerge once again. In such a case, it depends on the patient if they want to undergo the treatment once again.
Risks
Botulinum toxin injections are given in paltry doses for the important reason that the patient’s skin and muscles have the forbearance and tolerance level. However, there are many cases where the reactions to the procedure may not be as planned.
For example, a genetic condition may be responsible for an unusual reaction to the injections. 1% of botox patients have the propensity to develop antibodies to the toxin. This means that any and all future treatment is essentially futile.
Other potential ill effects include moderate discomfort, local edema (the accumulation of fluids) and a rash on the skin that is exposed to botox injections. Other possible ramifications include numbness, headaches and mild nausea.
If you want to get botox injections, we recommend visiting Mangat, Holzapfel and Lied plastic surgeons.