Botox is a drug that weakens or paralyzes muscle. In small doses, it can reduce skin wrinkles and help treat some medical conditions.
Botox is a protein made from Botulinum toxin, which the bacterium Clostridium botulinumproduces. This is the same toxin that causes botulism.
Botox is a toxin, but when doctors use it correctly and in small doses, it can have benefits. It has both cosmetic and medical uses.
As a cosmetic treatment, Botox injections can reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles.
Also, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved it as a treatment for various health issues, including eyelid spasms, excessive sweating, some bladder disorders, and migraine.
In this article, we explain how Botox explore its uses, side effects, and other risks.
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Clinicians use Botulinum toxin by diluting the powder in saline and injecting it directly into neuromuscular tissue.
It takes 24–72 hoursTrusted Source for the toxin to take effect. Rarely, it can take as long as 5 days for the full effects to show. They may last 3–12 months, depending on the treatment.
People should avoid using Botox during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if they have ever had an allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients.
Cost, time, and effectiveness
The cost of Botox depends on various factors, including:
- whether it is for medical or cosmetic purposes
- who provides the treatment
- where the treatment takes place
- the number of Botox units involved
For cosmetic use, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery noted in 2016 that, on average:
- the cost of a Botox treatment for frown lines or crows’ feet was $376
- the procedure lasted 30 minutes
- the improvement appeared in 1–5 days
- repeat treatments were necessary every 4–6 months
- the person could return to work at once
Medicare covers the cost of Botox for medical purposes that doctors deem necessary. However, due to the potentially high cost, it is important to confirm that the treatment is covered before the appointment.
When considering Botox for any reason, it is crucial to make sure that the provider is a qualified professional with the appropriate training.
For people looking to have cosmetic Botox, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics have a locator function that can help.
Anyone who believes that Botox might help with a medical condition should speak with their doctor.
Risks and side effects
People generally tolerate Botox injections well, and side effects are uncommon.
However, depending on the reason for the injections and the person’s response, Botulinum toxin can cause some unwanted effects, including:
- dry eye, following cosmetic uses
- an upset stomach
- numbness
- mild pain, swelling, or bruising around the injection site
- a headache
- temporary eyelid drooping
- temporary unwanted weakness or paralysis in nearby muscles
- urinary problems after treatment for urinary incontinence
- a worsening of neuromuscular disorders
- spatial disorientation or double vision after treatment for strabismus
- corneal ulceration after treatment for blepharitis
- cardiovascular events, such as arrhythmia and myocardial infarction
People should not use Botox if they have:
- a sensitivity or allergy to it
- an infection at the injection site
Depending on the type of treatment, there are concerns that the effects of Botox may extend beyond the injection site, possibly leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing.
This is more likely to occur in some individuals than others, and genetic factors may play a role.
Also, some people receiving injections of Botulinum toxin type A develop antibodiesTrusted Source to the toxin that makes subsequent treatments ineffective.
Summary
Botox has cosmetic and medical uses. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help treat certain disorders related to the nervous and muscular systems.
If someone wants to try Botox, it is a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider about the risks, costs, and other considerations. We are here to help you, if you want to do Botox in Toronto.
