How Do Botox Injections Work?
The frown lines between the brows, wrinkles on the face, crow’s feet near the eyes, laughter lines beside the mouth and wrinkles on the neck are all a result of muscle activity. To remove them, the theory for the treatment is that the activity of these muscles should be reduced or stopped. This is the guideline used for botox treatments.
Botox injections are injected directly into the site, into the muscles, and it works by stopping the signals from nerves into the injected muscles, thus paralyzing the muscles and preventing the lines from forming. There is decreased muscle activity after injecting botox which blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction which makes the muscle incapable of contracting for about four to six months.
The U S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use was approved in April 2002 and from then, millions of people have taken advantage of this non-surgical method to remain young and wrinkle free. Men and women, young and old have been using this treatment with great satisfaction. Cosmetic dentists also for the purpose of facial rejuvenation and non-surgical face-lift, commonly use Botox. These lines are caused when overactive muscle movement wears away the collagen in the skin making the skin to wrinkle or form creases. Every time a person smiles or frowns, lines can be formed. Botuline toxin works by relaxing the muscles, smoothening the lines and preventing wrinkles.
The patient should discuss the procedure, its advantages and disadvantages before undergoing it.
For accurate and satisfactory results, the patient should not be allergic to any medicines used in the injections. He should not have any infection at the site where the injection is to be given, nor should he have any illness like myasthenia gravis. He should not be a drug addict or a smoker. In short he should be healthy.
The procedure is done without an anesthesia and patients liken the injection to a wasp bite. It takes just a few minutes and the patient can then walk away by himself and drive himself home. The result is evident in a day or two and remains for four to six months after which another dose may be needed to sustain the appearance.
Many people in the public eye use botox injections without any side effects. Some may report abrasion or nausea or slight pain or some similar reaction but the majority of the patients are satisfied with the treatment and the result. They can even invite their doctors for a party and get treated while both are enjoying the party.