How Does Botox Work? – Notes On Botox Injections, Treatment And Side Effects
Botox is the new miracle that is helping many with the fight against aging. It is being used as a new “wrinkles be gone” cure. Botox is FDA approved for use in the following areas:
• Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)
• Nasal scrunch or squint lines
• Frown Lines
• Lines on neck
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Lazy eye
Botox is a neurotoxin, this means it is a poison, it is derived from Botulinum Toxin Type, a protein complex produced by a bacterium. While this bacterium uncontrolled is harmful, causing botulism, when it is given in small controlled doses it is used to treat over active muscle activity. What are wrinkles but muscles engaging in an activity that make lines and creases.
If there is one thing that frightens most people it is the thought of aging. Our skin is subjected to rigorous wear and tear and airborne toxins. Skin looses its collagen and starts to sag and those little lines that form when we squint and laugh get deeper and start to remain visible even when we are not smiling.
Over the years there have been many products that have been hailed as the miracle cure for wrinkles but nothing has come close to the results that you get with botox.
What results can you expect?
You can expect positive results, botox is highly effective when used properly. Whereas most products are effective for short periods of time without any lasting results. Many of the treatments can actually damage the skin. Botox will get it done and you will look years younger longer. There are side effects, but there is not a product on the market today that does not have a few.
Botox Side Effects
All drugs have side effects. The big thing about side effects is that they can be very different in each individual. So we will list the most common side effects and if any of these are present and persistent seek medical attention immediately.
Common occurrences:
Anxiety; arm or leg pain; back pain; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; dry or irritated eyes; facial pain; flu-like symptoms; headache; inability to focus the eyes; increased cough; indigestion; mild sore throat; nausea; neck pain; pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site; runny nose; sensitivity to light; stiff or weak muscles at or near the injection site; sweating; tiredness.
Symptoms that require medical attention:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness; wheezing); bleeding at the injection site; blood in the urine; burning, numbness, or tingling; burning with urination; chest pain; difficult, frequent, or painful urination; difficulty swallowing or breathing; double or blurred vision, or other vision changes; drooping of the upper eyelid; eyelid swelling; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat; loss of bladder control; loss of strength; paralysis; seizures; severe or persistent muscle weakness, headache, or dizziness; shortness of breath; speech changes or problems; worsening migraine.
This is not a comprehensive listing but you get a general idea of what it is that you can expect at worst. While the list above seems daunting the fact is that less than 1% of users experience anything more than slight redness in the treated area that goes away in a day or two. When you consider that the alternative is surgery these possibilities seem less destructive.