Botox Injection Treatment and what is Involved

The pictures of celebrities having expressionless faces after they have undergone the botox treatment can make patients feel uneasy when considering it for themselves. However, there is a reason why this treatment has grown even more popular over the years. Modern Botox treatments are safer and most effective in achieving the desired results. These injections no longer result in plastic mask-like faces. There have been several advancements made in terms of Botox injections. The results after undergoing the Botox Injection Treatment in Potomac are more natural looking, making it harder to spot the difference.

This blog seeks to give an overview of botox treatments and what is involved.

What is Botox?

Botox is technically a brand name used to refer to a drug known as Onabotulinum A toxin. It is a derivative of the bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. The infections that are caused by this bacteria are often life-threatening. In the case of the treatment, the specific toxin is extracted and formulated into a suitable safe-to-use drug for the procedure.

Botox is the first of its kind, though there are a variety of other brands available in the market. Other compounds such as obobotulinumtoxin A or rimabotulinumtoxin B can also be used for the botox

injection procedure.

The Uses of Botox

The Botox injection treatment is most commonly used as an anti-aging procedure to counter visible wrinkles. Botox has also been proven effective in the following cases:

⇰ Visible horizontal lines appear on the forehead while raising the eyebrows.

⇰ Frown lines appear between the vertical lines and between the eyebrows.

⇰ Crow’s feet or wrinkles appear at the side of the eyes while smiling or laughing.

Botox injections also have applications in affecting cosmetic improvements such as the following:

⇰ Treating conditions like excessive sweating at the armpits, palms, or soles.

⇰ In the case of cervical dystonia (A condition where the muscles twist and contract during uncomfortable positions)

⇰ In treating Strabismus (A condition where the eyes are looking in different directions)

⇰ Chronic Migraine

⇰ Overactive Bladder (When the patient is unable to control the urge to pee)

How does Botox Injection Work?

The principal goal of a botox injection treatment is in preventing muscular contraction. Muscles need to be stimulated by a chemical called acetylcholine secreted by the nerves to contract. The Botulinum toxin is injected into the nerve cells preventing or blocking the release of acetylcholine, preventing muscle contraction. It causes a harmless form of paralysis in the muscles.

It may require a few days, or even one or two weeks to see the complete effects of the Botox. The effects are likely to last for six to eight months depending on the amount of toxin being injected and the size of the targeted muscle. It may require repeated injections to maintain the results.

The procedure for Applying Botox Injections

The procedure for applying Botox injections is quite simple and straightforward but requires a certain degree of skill to execute. Botox is usually available in powder form and needs to be reconstituted before performing the treatment. The vials can be refrigerated for months later.

In the case of facial muscles, the amount of Botox being injected can range between 20 to 60 units at a time. These injections are administered using a super fine needle. This makes the procedure relatively pain-free and does not require anesthesia.

Facial injections should only be conducted by a physician or a RN who knows the anatomy of the face well.

Precautions to take during the Recovery Period

The following steps can be taken both before and after the procedure to ensure the best possible results for the procedure:

⇰ Avoid lying down for at least 4 hours after the procedure. Rather sit in an upright position to prevent bruising.

⇰ Avoid touching or massaging the face for at least 24 hours after the procedure. This prevents the toxin from spreading from the intended area of the face.

⇰ Avoid any form of intense workouts for a period of 24 to 48 hours. A spike in blood flow can risk the spread of the toxin.

⇰ Do not drink alcohol for a day after the treatment.

⇰ Avoid direct sunlight exposure.

Conclusion

Before opting for Botox in North Potomac make sure to have a thorough consultation session with a dermatologist. Remember that no questions are silly and one should have all their doubts and concerns clarified by a professional before proceeding further with the treatment.