You’ve heard of Botox — but do you know how it works? If you’ve been asking yourself, “How does Botox work?” you’re in luck. In this easy guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how Botox can benefit you. Once you understand more about Botox, you can make the best decisions about using Botox for your personal care. Let’s get into the science behind Botox work.
What is Botox?
Botox is derived from Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium. This bacterium occurs naturally — it’s found in soil and bodies of water, for example. From there, it ends up in the intestinal tracts of animals including fish, and also finds its way into shellfish. The bacteria is often harmless, but when the cell population grows past a certain point, these bacteria start to make botulinum toxin.
This is the toxin behind botulism, a disease which can be deadly. It’s a neurotoxin, which means it negatively affects the nervous system. This toxin is one of the most deadly substances around, in fact — a tiny amount could be fatal to a lot of people. This might sound scary, but modern science has found a way to turn botulinum toxin into Botox, which has many positive medical benefits. How does Botox work? Let’s take a closer look.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox uses extremely small amounts of botulinum toxin to keep nerve signals from reaching the muscles. This can stop unwanted muscle movements, making changes that are desirable for medical and cosmetic reasons. Your nerves give out a chemical message in the form of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine to tell your muscles to move. This messenger is released at the point where your nerves meet your muscle cells.
The neurotransmitter attaches itself to your muscle cells’ receptors, telling the muscle cells to contract. When Botox is injected, the neurotransmitter can’t be released, so the muscles won’t contract. This makes Botox perfect for reducing unwanted contractions that can cause stiffness and other issues.
What is Botox Used For?
The most common cosmetic reason people get Botox is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, Botox is also used for many other medical issues. It can treat everything from migraines to excess sweating to involuntary eye squints.
How is Botox Work Done?
When you get a Botox treatment, it’s a quick and easy procedure. It can be done in a matter of minutes, and you don’t need to go under anesthesia. A medical professional will use a fine needle to inject the Botox into specific muscles where it’s needed. In about three to seven days, you’ll be able to see the full effects of the treatment.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox isn’t a permanent change in your appearance. Instead, treatments last for about four to six months before your muscles start to return to normal. After this time, you’ll start to see lines and wrinkles again, and you’ll need to get another round of Botox work. Because the procedure is so quick and easy, you’ll have no problem getting these periodic treatments done. Over time, your muscles will become more relaxed, since Botox allows them to take a break. This can actually make lines and wrinkles less apparent over the long term.
Botox Side Effects
There are a few minimal side effects that can come with Botox work. Most people only experience a bit of bruising from the procedure, which goes away in a matter of days. Very rarely, people will get headaches in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment. If the Botox shifts around, you may experience a bit of temporary eyelid dropping, but this also tends to resolve itself. To avoid shifting the Botox, it’s important to avoid rubbing the treated areas for at least 12 hours after treatment. You should also avoid laying down for the first few hours after the procedure.
Botox FAQ
If you’re thinking of getting Botox work done, there are a few frequently asked questions that may come up. Next, we’ll go over some of the most common things you may be wondering about Botox.
1. Who Should I Get Botox From?
When picking a provider, you’ll want to do your research and get a trusted, experienced professional to do the work. Look for positive testimonials from former customers to help you make the right choice.
2. What Should I Expect?
On the day of the treatment, things will be quick and easy. There’s no need to stress about an upcoming Botox procedure. Your practitioner may recommend that you avoid certain substances, such as alcohol and aspirin, before the procedure. Aside from that, there’s not much preparation that you’ll need to do. You’ll feel a small prick, but there won’t be much pain or discomfort. After the procedure, you can resume your normal activities pretty much immediately.
3. What are the Results?
Botox has become so popular for cosmetic purposes because it’s an effective way to look more youthful. Be patient — the results can take a few days to show up. But once they do, you’ll be pleased with the way your face seems to smooth itself out naturally. The results will keep improving for up to two weeks after the procedure, and then slowly wear off over the course of the next few months.
4. Can I Get Rid of Botox?
Once the work is done, you can’t immediately reverse it. However, Botox is temporary, so you just need to wait until the results wear off.
5. Does It Prevent Wrinkles?
Don’t rule out Botox just because you don’t have visible lines yet. If you get Botox before your wrinkles develop, it can actually hinder their development, so you’ll need fewer treatments later on.
6. How Long Will I Need Treatments For?
Botox gradually trains your muscles to relax, so over time, you’ll likely need treatments less often. Making your muscles less active means giving them less time to make wrinkles. Botox can’t just correct aging that’s already happened – it can also slow the onset of future wrinkles and lines.
Ready to Have Botox Work For You?
Botox is easy, quick, and effective. Why not try it for yourself? To get started, request a consultation with us today.
