Botox is a commonly known procedure that’s been around since the 80s. But have you ever wondered what exactly Botox does?
The Beginnings of Botox
Botox has long been used for both cosmetic and medical treatments. Scientists initially discovered this skin therapy during medical research. They were searching for treatment methods for muscle spasms.
During these treatments, they noticed that Botox injections helped smooth wrinkles caused by glabellar lines (the wrinkle lines between the eyebrows).
Since that discovery, the medical and cosmetic development of Botox has evolved.
How Botox Treatment Works
Botox treatment for both wrinkles and pain relief is made possible by the main active ingredient in Botox, which is the neurotoxin botulinum A.
“Neurotoxin” sounds like a scary word. But scientists have carefully researched and formulated Botox to include just the right amount of purified neurotoxin to do the job.
Neurotoxins function by blocking the communication between your muscles and the neural pathways in your brain. By disrupting this communication, Botox essentially “paralyzes” and weakens the muscles so that they are less likely to react, contract, and move.
Medical Botox
There are a variety of medical uses for Botox, but Simply Radiant uses Botox to treat both migraines and excessive sweating.
Botox Treatment for Migraines
For years, doctors have been studying the pain-relieving effects of Botox for chronic migraines. Botox has been FDA-approved for migraines since 2010.
Botox helps stop headaches before they start by paralyzing the neural pathways that transmit and produce pain. Botox helps disrupt the pain patterns and relax tense muscles.
When used for medical purposes, there aren’t many differences in the overall application of Botox. The key difference is that patients typically receive more shots and units of Botox for pain relief vs. wrinkle treatment.
Botox Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating is clinically known as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where you sweat abnormally, such as sweating when it’s not hot.
In Botox treatment for excessive sweating, the botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals responsible for sweating. Botox also helps stop your sweat glands from overproducing sweat.
This is a popular procedure, especially in hot areas like Las Vegas. Patients are embarrassed by constant wet spots showing through in their clothes, so they get Botox injections to help.
The FDA approved Botox for hyperhidrosis treatment back in 2004, and it’s been used by doctors and practitioners ever since.
Cosmetic Botox
Although Botox has extensive medical uses, it’s also quite helpful for treating fine lines and wrinkles on your face.
Botox addresses what is known in the cos-med field as “dynamic” wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles caused by your face’s emotional, ever-changing expressions.
Although some people are more facially expressive than others, everyone makes many faces throughout their day. Think of every time you smile, cry, frown, think, laugh, or raise your eyebrows. All of these movements are gradually etching wrinkles into your skin.
Preventative Botox Injections
Botox is an excellent preventative treatment if you have wrinkle-prone genetics. Many patients start preventative Botox injections as early as their mid to late twenties in order to freeze the formation of dynamic wrinkles in their skin.
You may be a candidate for preventative Botox injections if you are particularly expressive or if wrinkles run in your family. Everyone gets wrinkles as they age, but some genetics are more prone to wrinkles than others.
Take a look at some of your older biological relatives and consider if they have deep wrinkles. If so, it’s worthwhile to schedule a preventative Botox consultation.
Preventative Botox not only prevents wrinkles before they have a chance to form but also reduces the likelihood you’ll need Botox in the future.
In preventive treatment, Botox works by weakening your muscles so that you’re less likely to use them consistently. The less likely you are to use them, the fewer dynamic wrinkles form as you continue to age.
Botox for Your Forehead
Botox injections can be used in your forehead for horizontal forehead lines (lines that form when you raise your eyebrows) and glabellar lines (frown lines between your eyebrows).
Botox for Crow’s Feet
Botox is also injected into the areas around your eyes to treat fine lines and wrinkles like crow’s feet. Crow’s feet tend to form when your eyes crinkle from smiling or crying.
Botox for Lines Around the Mouth
Botox can also treat smile lines and other small lines and wrinkles around your mouth. Small, thin lines have a tendency to form around your lips as you age and your skin thins out. Botox can address these issues while maintaining the natural flexibility of your smile and expressions.
What to Expect at Your Botox Appointment
Your Botox journey will begin with a consultation. If you’re receiving Botox for pain, Simply Radiant will evaluate whether you are a candidate for Botox treatment. If you are, we will design a treatment plan for you.
If you’re receiving Botox for cosmetic results, we will first evaluate your face and skin and your goals.
Typically, we numb the treatment site (or sites) with a topical anesthetic to help increase your comfort. Simply Radiant administers Botox injections with small, thin microneedles.
You will receive several Botox units at the treatment site(s), and then you will immediately be able to resume your day. There is no downtime with Botox.
How Long It Takes to See or Feel Results
Botox takes a couple of weeks to work because it involves working with your muscles and neural pathways.
Most of our patients start to see and feel results in as short as a week or two. After a few months, your body will absorb the Botox injections, and you will need maintenance injections to maintain results.
Ready to get started in Las Vegas, NV? Contact Simply Radiant today to learn more.