Botox is a very popular
cosmetic procedure. Used by men and women from all over the world for its
anti-ageing benefits, botox can work wonders in reverting the signs of ageing.
However, botox is not only used to cure unwanted, unavoidable flaw that men and
women dread so much—wrinkles. Botox can be used for various medical purposes.
What are they? Let’s discuss further as we go through this article.
What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin is produced by
the bacterium Clostridium botulinium. It is commonly known to many as Botox.
Botox works by relaxing the
contraction of muscles by blocking the nerve impulses. When the nerve impulses
are blocked, the muscles cannot contract anymore, leading to relaxed and
softened wrinkles. Usually, patients will have to wait for two to four days to
see the improvement brought about by the procedure. The effect on the other
hand, can last up to six months.
Botox for Cosmetic Purposes
For
cosmetic use, Botox is used to minimize facial creases, lazy eye, glabellar
lines, and uncontrolled blinking. For these procedures, a small amount of
botulinum is diluted, which enables controlled muscle weakening.
A patient will not have to
worry about wrinkles on the forehead. An injection or two and the result is a
smooth face devoid of any wrinkles. However, getting too much Botox, however,
could make the face look queer so a patient should make his or her preferences
to his physician clear to fully understand its possible effects.
How it Works
Botox will not take much of
your time. The procedure does not require anesthesia, and it only lasts for a
few minutes. A fine needle is used to inject the protein into the muscle.
Patients are advised to avoid alcoholic beverages for one week before the
procedure, and should avoid anti-inflammatory medications and aspirins two
weeks before the procedure is administered.
Botox for Non-Cosmetic Purposes
Botox is also used to treat
writer’s cramp, achalasia, excessive sweating, neuropathy, migraine headaches,
and chronic pains. A research also proves that Botox can improve the lives of
those who have overactive bladders.
Here are a few more things that Botox can bring:
- Reduce migraine headaches
- It helps people get rid of excessive sweating in palms, underarms, and feet.
- It eases muscle aches.
- Relieves pain for women who experience pain after intercourse.
- Helps people in post-stroke recovery.
A Few Side Effects of Botox
Like any other cosmetic procedure,
Botox also has a few side effects. For those who will undergo the procedure,
you may expect the following:
- Nausea
- Flu syndrome
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Drooping of upper eyelid
- Respiratory inflection
- Bruising
- Pain at the area of injection
Make sure that these effects
are discussed with you by the Botox
NJ professional who will administer the
procedure. People who are currently breastfeeding or those who are attempting
to get pregnant should talk to their doctors first before they go to a clinic
and have the treatment.
