woman getting lip injection for her smile lines treatment

Botox for Smile Lines: Benefits & Risks

Botox, Botulinum Toxins Professionals / By  Medicadepot Editor

25 Apr

Botox is globally one of the most well-known products in cosmetics. An injectable solution that provides excellent results in a matter of days is one of the first choices people make when getting a non-surgical facelift. Today, we will discuss the use of Botox for smile lines and the benefits and risks involved in the procedure. In this article, you will also learn how the procedure compares to dermal fillers; and which is a better choice for your patients.

What Are Smile Lines?

Nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile lines or laugh lines, are wrinkles from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They appear as we age and are common in both men and women.

Despite popular opinion, smile lines aren’t more prominent in any gender or race. While they get deeper and more visible with age, genetics and collagen production play the most significant part in how much an individual is prone to getting these wrinkles. Generally, after the age 25, a person can expect to notice these lines forming, as that’s roughly the time when natural collagen production slows down.

The biggest causes of nasolabial folds are sun damage and smoking. Gaining or losing weight faster can accentuate the smile lines, but aging is the most prominent cause.

Botox Treatment for Smile Lines

Treatment for smile lines is possible, and today there are many methods for revitalizing the skin around this area. One of the most popular methods is with botulinum toxin, or Botox as it’s more commonly known.

Botox is an injectable drug widely used to rejuvenate different areas of the face. It’s FDA-approved and very potent, restoring volume to the treated area, including the smile lines. It has also been used to treat various medical conditions like migraines and neck spasms.

Since Botox is an injectable product, treating smile lines with Botox is done through a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure. Little preparation is required, and the whole process takes less than half an hour.

How Botox for Smile Lines Works

As we’ve previously mentioned, Botox is an injectable product. The medical professional, a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon, inserts the product using a fine needle, targeting the muscle tissue underneath the skin.

Once injected, Botox relaxes the muscles in the treated area. This then causes tightening of the skin’s surface, smoothing it out and causing the smile lines to become less prominent.

The effect isn’t immediate, though. It usually takes three to five days for Botox to reach its full potential, and, in most cases, one procedure is enough to make the smile lines disappear.

The doses used for smile lines are significantly smaller compared to using Botox on the forehead area. A typical dosage involves 3 to 6 units per side, so a single appointment costs between $300 and $600.

It’s important to note that Botox doesn’t last indefinitely. The effects of Botox on smile lines last up to six months. Repeated procedures are necessary if the patient wishes to keep their new look over an extended period.

Benefits of Botox Treatment for Smile Lines

Patients decide to get Botox for several reasons, but especially for their smile lines.

Foremost, the procedure is quick and painless. After the medical practitioner numbs the area with topical anesthetic, the patient won’t feel the Botox injection. And it’s all done in about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the patient to continue with their daily routine afterward.

The recovery period is just 24 hours. While those 24 hours are crucial and involve some precautions and changes to one’s routine, that’s it regarding aftercare.

The cost of getting Botox for smile lines is relatively low, usually only $600, and even that is in rare cases when the folds are highly exaggerated. Since the effects last for three to six months, the “maintenance costs” aren’t high, allowing more people to get their smile lines corrected.

And, lastly, it works. Botox relaxes the muscles in this area, and the patient will see the procedure’s results within a few days.

Risks and Side Effects of Botox Treatment for Smile Lines

Botox remains a type of toxin with certain precautions and risks to consider. Most importantly, only trained, licensed medical personnel should administer Botox injections. 

Proper injection technique is also essential, so the patient doesn’t suffer any pain or bruising in the treated area. This also ensures that Botox is evenly distributed throughout the muscle tissue.

The potential side effects of these injections for smile lines are:

  • – Headache
  • – Flu-like symptoms
  • – Redness in the treated area
  • – Nausea
  • – Drooping and facial weakness
  • – Bruising and pain at injection sites

 

Allergic reactions to Botox are rare but still possible even when used in such small doses. Hence, the importance of consultations with the patient before they undergo the procedure.

Additionally, certain people aren’t good candidates for Botox. These include pregnant or breastfeeding women, people suffering from severe reactions to injections, or if the patient has an infection at or near the treatment site.

The first 24 hours after injecting Botox around the mouth are when the patient should take the most care. Patients should avoid exercise and other strenuous activities during this period and also avoid consuming alcohol, nicotine, sugar, and salt. To avoid bruising, the patient shouldn’t rub the treated area and minimize exposure to the sun as much as possible.

Another thing to note is that the patient should avoid certain foods and products before the Botox treatment. This includes:

  • – Nicotine
  • – Caffeine
  • – Alcohol
  • – Blood-thinning medications
  • – Any supplements that affect blood-clotting
  • – Foods rich in antioxidants

 

These products should be avoided for two weeks before the scheduled appointment.

Botox vs. Fillers for Smile Lines

When treating smile lines, Botox and dermal fillers are the most common options. But which one is a better choice and which is more effective?

At a glance, they are very similar. They’re both injectables and non-invasive, restoring one’s youthful appearance. But, the indications aren’t the same, nor are their effects’ longevity.

Botox is mainly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions like smiling and frowning.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are meant to restore facial volume. They can also correct facial asymmetry and certain conditions like scars.

One significant difference is that dermal fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally produced by the human body. It’s an organic alternative for people unsure about getting Botox for laugh lines.

Regarding results, both products are very effective in treating smile lines; dermal fillers, however, produced proved a longer-lasting effect – up to 18 months compared to the 6 months that Botox lasts.

FAQ

Is Botox or filler better for smile lines?

Although Botox has been the injection of choice for many years, it’s recommended now to inject dermal fillers into the smile lines. The downside of using Botox in this area is that it may cause a “duck face” lip by lengthening the distance between the nose and mouth.

How many units of Botox are needed for smile lines?

Typically, this procedure requires 3 to 6 units of Botox. The exact amount depends on the skin’s elasticity, the patient’s age, and the desired effect.

What is the best treatment for smile lines?

Using Botox for smile lines remains the best choice alongside hyaluronic-based dermal fillers. These are also one of the few non-surgical procedures that proved highly effective and provided natural-looking results.

References

Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect; Bagus Komang Satriyasa, Apr 2019

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6489637/

The Effect of Botulinum Toxin Injections on the Nasolabial Fold; Nov 2003

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/9085666_The_Effect_of_Botulinum_Toxin_Injections_on_the_Nasolabial_Fold

The effect of botulinum toxin injections on the nasolabial fold; Michael A C Kane, Oct 2003

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14504487/

Tissue Fillers for the Nasolabial Fold Area: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials; Tomasz Stefura, Artur Kacprzyk, Jakub Droś, Marta Krzysztofik, Oksana Skomarovska, Marta Fijałkowska, and Mateusz Koziej, Jul 2021

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8481177/

 

A man winks telling about Botox for the penis usage

Botox for the Penis: What You Need to Know

Botox, Botulinum Toxins / By  John Adams

29 Sep

There is no shortage of demand for solutions to cosmetic and medical issues related to the penis. Concerns about size and sexual function are common and, for that reason, much research has been devoted to finding a “Holy Grail” therapy that provides long-term solutions in an effective and minimally invasive manner.

Now, emerging results from sexual health studies have pointed to botulinum toxins, such as Botox, as having the potential to revolutionize how male sexual dysfunctional disorders are treated.

Anatomy of the Human Penis

The penile shaft of the human penis comprises three columns of tissue: two corpora cavernosa, one on either side of the corpus spongiosum. The urethra runs through the center of the corpus spongiosum and is the main passage for urine and semen. At the tip of the penis, the tissue of the corpus spongiosum expands into a structure called the glans penis.

The corpora cavernosa is considered erectile tissue, as it plays a major role in achieving erection. During sexual stimulation, the fibrous tissue of the corpus cavernosa expands as blood flows into the area. As a result, the penis become hard, enlarged, and erect.

Botox Mechanism of Action

Botox paralyzes, and relaxes, treated muscle(s). It acts on nerve endings to prevent acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that tells muscles to move, from reaching the muscles. This effect is not permanent: the effects of Botox are thought to be reversed by the re-innervation of muscle.

Botox for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is that prevents a man from achieving and/or maintaining an erection, even with sexual stimulation. This disorder is very common, particularly in older men.

Botox treats ED by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue located within the erectile chamber of the penis. This in turn helps to increase penile blood flow, a key factor in maintaining an erection.

A recent pilot study noted the efficacy of Botox treatment in patients that have ED. In this study, men treated with 50 units of Botox administered via intracavernosal injection saw an improvement in their penile arterial blood flow and overall sexual functioning when evaluated two weeks after treatment.

Botox for the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation

The reasoning behind using Botox to treat premature ejaculation stems from the nature of ejaculation, which involves rhythmic contractions of the bulbospongiosus, a superficial muscle that extends from the center of the perineum to the base of the penis, and ischiocavernosus muscles.

Relaxing the bulbospongiosus muscle via Botox inhibits these contractions, delaying ejaculation. The potential for Botox to treat premature ejaculation was assessed in an animal study that examined the sexual performances of rats after Botox treatment. In this study, rats that received injections of the toxin to the bulbospongiosus muscle displayed an extended period of ejaculatory latency of 10 minutes compared to the pretreatment average of 4.4 minutes. Additionally, researchers note that this treatment did not affect the rats’ health or ability to achieve intromission or ejaculation.

This study’s promising results have led Botox to be seen as a promising treatment for premature ejaculation.

Botox for Penis Enlargement

The length of one’s penis is a major concern for many men. Unfortunately, there are few available options to correct this cosmetic issue that do not involve costly, high-risk surgery. Botox may soon change this.

A study by Shaeer et al. treated patients who had hyperactive penile retraction reflex, where the excessive contraction of the penis (colloquially known as “shrinkage”) results in the appearance of a small penis, with four Botox injections to the dartos muscle, which is the muscle responsible for penile retraction. The results were remarkable: seven out of 10 patients reported a noticeable cessation of penile retraction and an improvement in flaccid penile length. While this study had many limitations—including a small sample size—it nonetheless demonstrated the viability of Botox as a penis enlargement treatment.

Conclusion

Botox is not just for the face! Emerging evidence in the field of sexual heath has demonstrated that it has great potential for treating issues of sexual dysfunction in men, including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, as well as for the cosmetic enhancement of the penis by increasing its flaccid length.

The doctor explains to another doctor How to Properly Store Botox

How to Properly Store Botox

Botox, Botulinum Toxins / By  John Adams

27 Sep

Botox and other botulinum toxins have storage conditions specified on their packaging. This ensures that the product is safe and potent when it is used. However, things do not always go as planned. Maybe you mixed up a solution only to have a no-show patient, over-purchased in order to receive a volume discount, or your courier left a box on your doorstep in a heat wave. In these situations, you may find yourself throwing away hundreds of dollars worth of botulinum toxin. What a huge waste!The good news is, research suggests that the manufacturer’s storage recommendations may be far too conservative. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of different brands of botulinum toxins and found that they are viable long past the times recommended. Knowing this can save you money, reduce waste and help you take advantage of sales and volume discounts when purchasing your medical supplies.

Storing Botox

Botox is the most popular cosmetic injectable in the U.S. and around the world. Clients ask for it by name, and it is not cheap. For small clinics with low volume, even one vial of wasted Botox can be a blow to the bottom line. According to Allergan, its manufacturer, you should always keep Botox in the refrigerator, at 2° C to 8° C, or in the freezer, below 5° C. With a 36-month shelf life from its manufacturing date, this seems simple enough. However, when errors occur, you may be wondering if there is a way to avoid wasting these expensive vials.

Various studies have looked into what happens to Botox when it is exposed to storage conditions outside the normal range. Allergan itself has confirmed that you can use Botox after five days at room temperature, something they fail to mention in their product packaging. Not only that, the product may remain stable even in extreme shipping conditions. When study authors L. Parraga et al. referenced available product information and spoke to manufacturers directly, they found that botulinum toxin remains stable for 14 days at 25° C and 7 days at 30° C. If your package sits at the reception desk overnight, or your refrigerator quits on a long weekend, there is no need to dispose of your Botox. It seems it will be just fine.

Not only does unopened Botox remain stable for longer than expected, and at more extreme temperatures, studies suggest that reconstituted botulinum toxin can be used for much longer than you may think. According to Allergan’s product information, Botox should be used immediately after adding saline, or within 24 hours if stored appropriately. In case of scheduling difficulties or setbacks, it has been shown that reconstituted Botox can be safely used days or even weeks later, with the same initial effectiveness and duration.

Researchers compared the effectiveness of fresh Botox versus solutions that were two hours, six days and one through four weeks old. For their comparison, researched ensured each volunteer received injections of fresh and aged solutiosn in the extensor  digitorum brevis muscles of their feet. They found that the two hour old solution was just as effective as the fresh solution, with the four week old solution having statistically similar results.

No matter how old the solution, each was equally effective at relaxing the treated muscle, and the effects lasted just as long.

Other researchers found similar results using older Botox solutions on glabellar lines. When they compared freshly-prepared solution to solution that was up to 43 days old, they found similar results. These studies show that you can save your Botox solution for future use, reducing waste and stretching your budget.

Medica Depot carries a huge selection of all your favorite medical injectable brands with wholesale volume discounts.

Medical warehouse as an example of Storing Dysport, Bocouture, Azzalure & Myobloc

How to Store Dysport, Bocouture, Azzalure & Myobloc

Botox, Botulinum Toxins / By  Medical Community

10 Jul

Storing Xeomin and Bocouture

If you use an alternative brand of botulinum toxin, such as Xeomin or its cosmetic version Bocouture, we have good news! These products do not require refrigeration normally and may last longer than the manufacturer suggests.

Merz suggests that Xeomin can be used up to 36 months after its manufacturer date, but research suggests that, after 48 months in the refrigerator or stored at up to 25° C, the neurotoxin is just as effective. Additionally, when they tested Xeomin that had been stored for 18 months at 30° C and six months at 40° C, the neurotoxin was still stable. Even at 60° C for one month and 80° C for five days, Xeomin still showed at least partial activity.

According to Merz, reconistituted Xeomin or Bocouture can be placed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, researchers believe that this too may be unnecessarily conservative. After leaving Xeomin solution at room temperature for one week, researchers found no statistical difference in effectiveness or duration compared to freshly-prepared solution. Even if you prepare your Xeomin before a last-minute cancellation and then forget it on the counter, it may still be suitable for use, saving hundreds of dollars in wasted product.

Storing Dysport and Azzalure

Another popular botulinum toxin brand is Dysport, and its cosmetic version Azzalure. These products should be stable and effective after 24 months of storage in the refrigerator, as long as they have not been frozen. A study by L. Parraga et al. discovered that Dysport can be stored at room temperature for up to three days without a reduction in efficacy. That is peace of mind!

Storing Myobloc and Neurobloc

Botulinum aren’t just for cosmetic clinics. Some doctors use Myobloc, also known as Neurobloc, to treat muscle spasms. This botulinum toxin type B solution cannot be frozen, but can be left at room temperature for some time according to its manufacturer, Eisai. After keeping Myobloc in the refrigerator, they suggest that it can then be stored at room temperature for up to three months, but not placed back in the refrigerator. However, research suggests that, even after leaving your Myobloc in the refrigerator for 21 months and then keeping it at room temperature for six months, you can still move it back to the refrigerator. It seems that if you move your botulinum toxin from cold storage, you can still change your mind.

Although it is safest to follow the manufacturer’s storage recommendations, scenarios out of a doctor’s control sometimes occur. Research suggests that even if your botulinum toxin is left in the hot delivery truck or on the table, or if the refrigerator breaks down or a patient cancels their appointment, there is no need to worry. It will still be effective.

Dysport bocouture azzalure myobloc
An open hand presents the explanation of the usage Botox for Hyperhidrosis

Botox for Hyperhidrosis

Botox, Botulinum Toxins / By  Medical Community

26 Jul

Hyperhidrosis is defined as abnormally increased sweating, more than that needed for thermoregulation. Individuals with a special type of hyperhidrosis, known as focal hyperhidrosis, can excessively sweat from their underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis) or from their palms and soles of the feet (palmoplantar hyperhidrosis). In clinical practice, a patient presenting with excessive sweating lasting for longer than 6 months is diagnosed with hyperhidrosis if they also fulfill at least two out of the following criteria: cessation of focal sweating while asleep, bilateral symmetric sweating, frequency greater than once a week, onset before age 25, positive family history, and daily activity impairment. Patients with this condition are often emotionally and psychologically impacted to the degree that their daily life is disrupted. As a consequence, they usually live with increased anxiety, difficulty in social and work settings, and decreased socialization. For these patients, treatment options are either short-acting or ineffective (as in the case of topical antiperspirants), or invasive, costly, and associated with serious complications (such as the arthroscopic shaving of the glands, excision of sweat glands, and endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy).

Does Botox for hyperhidrosis work?

Botox was first put forward as a possible treatment for excessive sweating when it was reported as an inadvertent effect in patients receiving Botox for other indications. Botox is a neurotoxin that acts on motor and autonomic nerve terminals, blocking signal transmission between the nervous system and the muscles. When injected intradermally, the toxin causes the chemical denervation of the eccrine sweat glands via prevention of the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in a localized reduction in sweat production. Generally, Botox is vastly preferable to other traditional treatments for hyperhidrosis, as it is minimally invasive, durable and effective.

Treating hyperhidrosis in the palms and soles of the feet can cause major discomfort due to the high number of nerve endings in these areas. The significant pain associated with treatment can dissuade patients from undergoing the procedure. Several options for anesthesia are available, which include oral and intravenous sedation, nerve blocks, topical lidocaine cream, Bier’s block, and an ice block.

Treatment with Botox

The procedure for injecting Botox usually begins with marking out the area of treatment. Determination of the treatment area can be performed either by administering the Minor’s starch iodine test (saturating the clean and dry underarm with an iodine solution and starch powder to determine hyperhidrotic areas), or via demarcation according to the hair bearing area. Using a tuberculin syringe fitted with a 26- or 30-gauge needle, administer subdermal injections along 40 sites spaced about 8mm apart in each axilla. The needle is inserted into the dermis at a 45° angle with the bevel side up, and roughly 0.05ml of the solution is deposited. Perform the injection in one smooth motion, so as to not cause excessive trauma to the skin. The recommended dose per axilla is 50U (units), which should be diluted in 2ml of sterile saline, or 3ml for patients with larger axillae. When treating for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, the injection sites are defined as a grid on the palm and sole. The recommended dose is a total of 100U per palm diluted in 3–4ml of sterile saline, which should be injected with a 26- or 30-gauge needle. Meanwhile, the recommended dose for the sole is 150 U, as it covers a greater surface area.

Post-procedure

After the procedure, it is best to keep the patient for a brief 15-minute observation period to monitor for any immediate reactions to the treatment. Patients will start to note an improvement in their condition as soon as one week after treatment. It has been shown that hyperhidrosis patients treated with Botox can experience a 75% decrease in sweat production, with results lasting between three to six months.

Is Botox for hyperhidrosis right for me?

While generally regarded as a safe and well-tolerated treatment, some patients should be dissuaded from Botox treatment. These include patients who have undergone previous surgical debulking of the sweat glands, who suffer from hyperhidrosis secondary to an underlying disease, or who have severe blood-clotting disorders. As well, patients with an existing medical condition that may interfere with neuromuscular function, such as Eaton-Lambert syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, should not be treated with Botox. If a patient has a concurrent infection at the injection site or systemic infection, they should only be treated after the infection has cleared. Lastly, female patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not be treated with Botox.

Treating hyperhidrosis can bring great emotional and occupational benefits to the patient, as not worrying about their excessive sweating reduces time and difficulty in social and occupational settings3. For patients with hyperhidrosis, Botox treatment represents a new way to manage their excessive sweating in an effective manner that also has the added benefits of being non-surgical, convenient, and relatively durable.

A doctor is preparing woman for the Botox injection and explains the difference between Botulinum Toxin A and B

Botulinum Toxin A vs B: What is Botulinum Toxin Used For?

Botox, Botulinum Toxins General Public / By  Medical Community

02 Jul

Botulinum toxin is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It is a neurotoxin protein and is used to treat a variety of aesthetic concerns and medical conditions, including dynamic wrinkles, excessive sweating, chronic migraines, and cervical dystonia, to name a few.
There are various types of botulinum toxin, but the ones used for treatment are types A and B. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are examples of brands that use type A. Type B is an alternative treatment for those who are hypersensitive or don’t respond to type A. The only approved type B toxin is Myobloc (also known as NeuroBloc).

Treatment with botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin injections are administered intramuscularly. Treatments are given a minimum of every 3 months. Both type A and B are injectable treatments. Only a trained medical professional should give Botox injections. Type A is available in a powdered form and can be used in injections by adding saline. Type B comes as an injectable solution, which may be diluted depending on the condition being treated.
Successful treatment requires repeated injections of botulinum toxin. Prior to treatment, you may be required to get a skin test to determine your suitability. A small amount of the toxin will be injected, and your reaction will be monitored over the text few weeks. A second injection may be done as a precaution.

Mechanism of action

Botulinum toxin is a blocking agent. It prevents the release of neurotransmitters, specifically acetylcholine.
Once it is injected into the muscles, the nerve signals that tell the muscles to contract are blocked. As a result, the muscles become temporarily paralyzed or weakened.

Side effects

The botulinum toxin has been used for decades and is considered an extremely safe treatment when administered by a trained professional. Type A and type B both cause mild side effects, including redness around the injection site, swelling, and tenderness. Other side effects are specific to the area of treatment, including headache, dry mouth, dry eye, and mild eye ptosis. Discuss all possible adverse reactions with your medical practitioner prior to treatment.

How is it made?

When it comes to discussing the material that makes up type A and type B, the origins are the same. The only difference is the form in which both types are available to health professionals to treat a variety of ailments or for cosmetic procedures.  

Type A

The material that makes up type A includes purified protein from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s available in a powdered form.

Type B

This type is also made from the Clostridium botulinum toxin. It comes in the form of a solution.

Type A and type B botulinum toxin is measured in units specific to the brands. These units are not interchangeable and should not be used in combination for treatment.

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of both kinds of the botulinum toxin injections varies and depends on many factors, such as:

•  The severity of the condition;

•  The number of units used;

•  The expertise of the health-care practitioner performing the treatment;

•  The brand of toxin used.

Depending on the treatment, the cost may be determined by the number of units or may be done at a flat rate. The average cost of Botox cosmetic treatment is around $375.
Due to the versatility of botulinum toxin, it has become a popular treatment for a variety of cosmetic and medical concerns. If you are interested in receiving treatment with Botox, Azzalure, Xeomin, Myobloc, or any other botulinum toxin brand, be sure to discuss your options with a licensed practitioner.

A woman touches her face with a fresh flower and explains What is Botulinum Toxin

What is Botulinum Toxin? BTX Risks and Benefits

Botox, Botulinum Toxins / By  Medical Community

05 Jun

Botulinum toxin injections are widely used for rejuvenating aging skin and for reducing wrinkles. Although the effects of these injections are temporary, they require no recovery time and can be done quickly, unlike invasive surgical procedures.During treatment, a miniscule amount of Botox is injected into the muscle to be treated. This blocks the nerve signals that cause the muscle to contract, temporarily paralyzing it. When used cosmetically, this relaxes the facial muscles, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Types of Botulinum Toxin Treatments

Botulinum toxin type A injections are by far the most common: in fact, they are the most popular cosmetic treatment worldwide. These injections contain neurotoxins that help to smooth out dynamic wrinkles caused by various facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, and squinting. This particular treatment helps to relax the facial muscles by blocking nerve impulses. With this, facial expressions become softer, and wrinkles are significantly reduced. Currently, there are many brands available that contain botulinum toxin type A including: Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.

Botulinum toxin type B injections also block nerve signals in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity. Myobloc uses botulinum toxin type B to treat muscular conditions, such as cervical dystonia.

Benefits of Botox

Botox allows patients to achieve a youthful appearance without ever having to go under the knife.

Botox can treat drooping eyebrows

Also known as eyebrow ptosis, drooping brows makes the face appear constantly tired. Botox relaxes and raises the eyebrow muscles, stopping the eyebrows from drooping for a couple of months.

Botox can treat wrinkles on the neck

As people age, the neck muscles begin to pull on the facial muscles, causing sagging. The Botox necklace technique, in which a small amount of Botox is injected into the neck muscles, treats horizontal wrinkles on the neck. As the neck muscles relax, the face lifts, helping to create a more youthful appearance overall.

Botox can be used to manage acne

Botox curbs oil production in the skin, which helps to reduce acne. A tiny amount of Botox, when used properly, reduces oil production while still allowing patients to move their face normally.

Botox is especially beneficial at a young age

Getting Botox done at a young age can help to prevent deep wrinkles from developing. Prevention is important, because once these wrinkles develop, they are very difficult to get rid of. These wrinkles usually form around the eyes and mouth, so they are the best places to receive preventative Botox treatment.

While cosmetic surgeries are expensive and difficult to recover from, Botox injections are much less expensive and do not require intensive recovery time. This makes them an attractive option for patients who wish to liven up their face—without breaking the bank.

Risks of Botox

Botox injections do help to reduce the signs of aging, but they also come with potential side effects, including bladder issues, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, demobilization of facial muscles, hoarse voice, facial asymmetry, and difficulty swallowing.

Botox can also cause severe headaches, droopy eyelids, and fat bulges near the injection site. Muscle weakness and dizziness may also occur.

Please note that pregnant women cannot receive Botox injections, as the toxin could affect the baby, as well.

Overall, Botox injections are considered to be effective for preventing and treating wrinkles. However, patients must consult their doctor before receiving Botox treatments. Patients should consider all of their options and know what to expect before deciding to get these injections.

the sheet of paper has the handwritten heading "Botox" symbolizes the 20 Questions That Patients Ask Before Botox Treatment

20 Questions That Patients Ask Before Botox Treatment

Botox, Botulinum Toxins / By  Medical Community

02 Apr

While Botox injections have become a normal way to treat aging skin, it is important for patients to know what they are getting into. Patients should always consult their doctor and do their research before any medical procedure. The below list of 20 common questions patients have regarding Botox and their answers is a good place to start.

1. What is Botox used for?

Botox is used to reduce lines and wrinkles on the face by relaxing the facial muscles. Wrinkles and lines are often caused by repetitive facial expressions. Relaxing the facial muscles prevents these expressions and results in fewer wrinkles and lines on the face.

2. Where does it work best?

Botox works best on the horizontal surprise lines on the forehead, frown lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows), crow’s feet (fan-shaped lines extending from the outer corner of each eye), smile lines (lines that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth), and smoker’s lines (vertical lines around the lips).

3. What is getting Botox like?

Common concerns patients have include the amount of pain from the injections and the amount of swelling of the face after treatment. When performed by a professional, Botox injections rarely cause bleeding and are relatively painless. Oftentimes, the pinch of the injection ends before the pain is even registered. Some slight puffiness is to be expected immediately following the procedure.

4. Do the injections hurt?

Any injection can hurt but choosing a skilled doctor can help to minimize pain. The needles used for Botox injections are very small, so pain is minimal or even non-existent. In addition, topical anesthetic creams or cold packs may be applied to reduce pain.

5. How long does it take to work?

Botox results do not appear instantly. It can take 5 to 7 days before patients start to see a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and other facial lines. Maximum results appear after 2 weeks.

6. How long does it last?

The effects of Botox last for about 3 months. As its effects start to wear off and the facial muscles begin to move freely again, lines and wrinkles start to reappear. To maintain a line-free look, Botox injections need to be administered several times each year.

7. If I’m getting Botox for a special event, when should I book my treatment?

Botox appointments should be booked 2 to 3 weeks before a big event, since that is how long it takes to see the full effects of the treatment. Some redness, swelling, and tenderness may occur in the first seven days after treatment, but these effects subside quickly. Patients can expect a line-free look by the second or third week.

8. What is the best age for Botox treatments?

This depends upon the patient’s sun exposure, lifestyle, and skin color. In general, patients start to receive Botox is between the ages of 35 and 40. Regardless, younger patients are now starting to look to Botox as a preventative treatment.

9. What happens to the botulinum toxin once it’s in the body?

Once botulinum toxin enters the body through Botox injections, it may migrate up to 3cm from the injection site. When botulinum toxin remains in its intended position, it blocks the nerve endings, thus relaxing the affected facial muscles. However, even if some molecules were to enter the bloodstream, the cosmetic dose (<100 units) is too low to cause systemic toxic effects, and the molecules would be quickly broken down into harmless amino acids.

10. Who can get Botox? Is it only for celebrities and older people?

Like any other medical procedure, there are side effects and eligibility factors that patients should discuss with their physician prior to treatment. Some factors that may prevent a person from receiving Botox treatment include pregnancy, breastfeeding, botulism, myasthenia gravis, and double or blurred vision.

11. Can Botox be used in combination with other treatments for better results?

Botox and dermal fillers are commonly used together. When these two treatments are combined, their results can last for as long as a year, whereas the results of Botox alone last for a maximum of 6 months. Botox relaxes the facial muscles and fillers add volume, resulting in smoother skin.

12. Who can give Botox injections?

A Botox treatment is a medical procedure and must be performed by a qualified medical doctor. This treatment may also be performed by a fully trained nurse under the on-site supervision of a medical doctor. Botox treatment should always be performed in a proper medical facility.

13. How can I be certain that what I’m getting is actually Botox?

It can be very difficult to distinguish real Botox from counterfeit Botox. This is why it is important for patients to have confidence in their medical practitioner. Board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons would never risk their reputation by using fake Botox. In addition, always check the bottle and its box to ensure the Botox injection is sealed and fresh.

14. Are there any medical side effects?

If properly injected, the side effects of Botox are minimal. Common side effects include muscle weakness, bruising, bleeding, pain, redness, and swelling at or near the injection site. Headache, neck or back pain, muscle stiffness, dizziness, drowsiness and lethargy can also result from Botox treatment. Others side effects include flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to Botox.

15. Does Botox have unwanted cosmetic side effects?

The most severe side effects include permanent disfiguration and loss of facial muscle functionality due to paralysis of the facial nerve. Less severe side effects include drooping of the brows and upper eyelid, partial or slight paralysis of the face, swelling of the eyelids, eyes pointing upward or downward instead of straight ahead, and skin rash. Patients should consult their physician for more information about the possible side effects of Botox treatment.

16. Are there alternatives to Botox?

Although Botox is considered to be the best anti-wrinkle treatment on the market, there are other botulinum toxins available. Dysport and Myobloc (Neurobloc) are injectables that work similarly to Botox. Other treatments include facial creams and chemical peels, which have received positive reviews for their anti-aging effects. As well, cosmetic injectable are also extremely effective. However, none of these treatments are permanent.

17. What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?

Botox is a neurotoxin that reduces the activity of the facial muscles that cause wrinkling. Dermal fillers fill the affected areas with a substance such as hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. This not only plumps the skin but also lifts and tightens it.

18. What are some common myths about Botox?

1.  Myth: Botox has immediate effects.
Fact: The effects of Botox are seen after 2 weeks.

2.  Myth: Botox is made from pure botulinum toxin.
Fact: Botox is made from a protein derivative and is relatively harmless.

3.  Myth: People who exercise a lot need more Botox.
Fact: A person’s workout routine does not affect the amount of Botox required.

19. How much does Botox cost?

On average, the cost of Botox treatment ranges from $350 to $500 for each treated area. In terms of cost per unit of Botox, the price ranges from $9 to $20 per unit. Special discounts or offers may be available to make this treatment more affordable.

20. What happens on the day of Botox treatment?

The doctor providing the treatment will make a series of injections in the desired areas of the patient’s face. The patient can then return to regular activities, but should follow aftercare methods given by their doctor until any adverse effects have subsided.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are not to be constructed as medical advise but for informational purposes only. MedicaDepot staff does not review any of this articles for medical validity. Opinions and views expressed in this article are not endorsed by MedicaDepot. Please always consult your doctor for professional medical advise.