Botox injections are injected into the skin to reduce facial wrinkles. They are also used to treat spasms of the neck, sweating, and lazy eye.
Drugs for Botox injections:
A toxin called onobotulinumtoxinA is used in the injection to prevent the muscle from moving. A toxin called Botulism is a type of food poisoning that is produced by the microbe. Botox uses botulinum toxin for the first time. Other drugs are also used such as rimabotulinumtoxinB, abobotulinumtoxinA, and incobotulinumtoxinA. Every drug is a different little bit, especially in dosage units they not interchangeable.
Why it is done?
These injections block the muscles to contract by blocking certain signals from the nerves. A common use of these injections is to treat wrinkles appearing on the forehead and near the eye by relaxing the muscles. It is also used to correct such conditions that affect the body’s functioning. Some examples are:
Cervical dystonia: this condition is very painful as it causes your neck muscles to move involuntary and your head turns or makes a twist in an uncomfortable position.
Lazy eye: it is due to the imbalance of muscles that are responsible for eye positioning causing lazy eye.
Muscle contracture: cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that causes the limbs towards your center. These cases can be treated by botox injections.
Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating occurs in this condition. It happens in conditions when the temperature is not hot enough and you are imposing yourself.
Chronic migraine: botox Injections can help you in reducing the frequency if you are experiencing chronic migraine symptoms fifteen days in the month.
Bladder dysfunction: URINARY INCONTINENCE can be reduced with the help of botox injections. This condition is caused due to overactive bladder.
Eye twitching: twitching of muscles and contracture around the eye can be relaxed by botox injections.
Risks associated with botox injections: (1)
Botox treatment is usually safe when it is done by a qualified and experienced doctor. Possible complications and side effects associated with botox are:
- Pain and swelling at the site of injection
- Bruising At the injection site
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Droopy eyelid
- Cockeyed eyebrows
- Crooked smile
- Dryness of eye or
- Excessive tearing
It is very rare but toxin present in the injection can spread in the body. Immediately visit your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Weakness of muscles
- Vision issues
- Trouble in speaking
- Trouble in swallowing
- Breathing problems
- Loss of control on bladder
Botox is contraindicated in people who are allergic to the protein of cow’s milk. The doctor will not recommend you botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What age is ideal for using botox?
The ideal age for having botox varies, and it is over to you that when you need it. You may not need a botox before you are having wrinkles on your face or neck to hide. You can also use it as a preventive measure because it is generally safe. “PREVENTION IS THE NEW MANTRA,” says Kolker. She also says that I have seen women in their late 40s who don’t need botox as they have no wrinkles on their face, but many girls in their 20s need botox. Botox can be used safely when you have wrinkles or simply when you are trying to prevent your face from wrinkles. No issue is seen after long-term use of Botox. Kane says I have seen patients using botox for more than twenty years but no side effects.
How long does botox last?
The answer to this question varies from the person as everyone is different. The result of Botox can be seen in 4 to 5 days and they can last without any discomfort up to three to six months with no side effects and surgery. Some people follow their treatment after every 3 months while some need their treatment after four to six months.
Does Botox have side effects?
As we know every drug has its side effect, so botox is no exception. Fortunately, the side effects of botox are very rare and temporary. Side effects are observed in one percent to 5 percent of people. Side effects include droopiness of the eyelid and eyebrow. These side effects might go away within weeks or two. Slight bruising can also occur at the site of injection.
Side effects of Botox:
Some common or rare side effects of botox are:
- Headache
- Neck or back pain
- Stiffness in muscle
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Weakness of muscle
- At the site of injection it may cause:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Redness
- Infection
- Flu-like symptoms
- Cold symptoms
- Respiratory infections
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Feeling tired
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Ringing in your ears
- Increased sweating other than underarms
- Urinary tract infections
- Burning and painful urination
- Difficulty urinating.
How much does Botox Cost? (2)
The cost of botox depends on the area you want to get treated. Here are some examples:
- Brow lift cost from 450 dollars to 800 dollar
- Jaw slimming cost is 800 dollars to 1200 dollar
- Neck lift costs from 850 dollars to 950 dollars
- Chin dimpling can cost from 250 dollars to 350 dollars.
The procedure of Botox:
Botulinum toxin is used by clinicians, they dilute it with normal saline and inject it into the neuromuscular tissue directly. The toxin will give its effect from 24 to 72 hours. In rare cases, full effect can be seen in five days. Botox treatment can last from three to twelve months depending on the treatment you choose. Botox should be avoided during pregnancy. People should also avoid this if they are allergic to this drug or any component of the drug.
Summary:
Botox can be used for cosmetic purposes or medical. It reduces wrinkles and uses anti-aging. It is also used to treat different types of disorders that are related to the nervous system or muscular system. If you are thinking to try botox, you must discuss with your healthcare provider about the risk, contraindications, cost, and other factors.
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