Everything You Need to Know About Botox
Botox is naturally derived from a bacterium called clostridium botulinum. It is commonly found in soil, lakes, and forests as well as the intestinal tracts of mammals, fish and shellfish.
What is Botox Used For?
Botox is used cosmetically as a non-surgical treatment that is a popular quick fix to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing your facial muscles.
How is Botox Administered?
Administered through small injections directly into the neuromuscular tissues, Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles and inhibits the injected muscle from contracting. The effect of Botox lasts approximately 3–6 months. After it wears off your wrinkles reappear.
A small needle is used for the injections to help lessen pain and prevent bruising and damage to the surrounding tissues. It typically takes 24 to 72 hours for the results of the treatment to show. However, everyone reacts differently, and it can take up to two weeks to see the full effect.
Botox Side Effects
The most common side effects of Botox are headaches, numbness, hives, and mild nausea. However, there can be more serious side effects depending on what area is injected including drooping eyelids, uneven eyebrows, dry eyes, excessive tearing, “crooked” smile or drooling, so it is imperative that you choose a reputable doctor to administer the injections.
While Botox can temporarily lift, plump and define the face, it also temporarily paralyzes the muscles, potentially causing them to atrophy in time.
Atrophy is the progressive degeneration or shrinkage of muscle caused by a lack of blood flow and movement. This creates a change in the color of the skin at the site and eventual sagging.
Alternatives To Botox
Botox can be a simple cosmetic procedure to give you the look you've been wanting, without a long term commitment. Keep in mind that you can achieve similar results with daily facial massage and proper skincare products, which eliminates any risk of side effects or ‘frozen face’.
I do believe that you should do what you makes you happy, and if you can’t live without Botox, then I recommend waiting 7-10 days after you have it before getting a facial. Getting a facial too soon after your injections may cause the Botox to disperse throughout the muscles unevenly which can alter your results.