Botox is one of the most common term which clicks in when men and women nearing wrinkled stage think of rejuvenating themselves. Most of us are aware of its plus aspect i.e, freezing the age and looking younger. Let’s see what exactly this wonder thing is!
Where does Botox come from?
Botox is a drug made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum; an organism found in the natural habitat where it is majorly lifeless and non-toxic. So, how and when it becomes toxic and hazardous for life?
This harmful state usually occurs when the spores convert into vegetative cells and the cell population increases to the point where the bacteria begins producing botulinum toxin, the deadly neurotoxin responsible for botulism.
Botulinum toxin is medically known to treat certain muscular conditions and is cosmetically popular to remove wrinkles by temporarily incapacitating facial muscles.
Very well known to do wonder cosmetically, Botulinum toxin is one of the most noxious substances known to such an extent that a single gram could be lethal to as many as million people and a kilogram of it has the potential to end each and every person on earth.
A dreadful life threatening ailment known as Botulism is caused in high concentration of Botulinum Toxin which may result in respiratory failure and death, if remains, untreated. Despite botulinum toxin being so toxic, lethal to human being and even highly expensive, Botox remains in enormous demand.
Thanks to this competitive world where actually people wish to win the race by decelerating themselves in ageing!
Botox Uses and Applications
Botox is primarily used as a treatment to lessen the emergence of facial wrinkles and fine lines in older adults.
Further than aesthetic applications, Botox has been found functional in treating various conditions other than just the cosmetic application and below are a few of such Botox Uses and Applications :
-
To treat Eye Problems
Botox treats eye problems like crossed eyes , eyelid tics effectively. Like the problem of eyelid twitching effect can all be cured with Botox .
-
To treat Muscle stiffness/spasms
Muscle spasticity or the stiffness in muscles is treated with Botox injection that relieves the problem easily . even on the treatment of tennis elbow Botox injection serves fast and quick healing.
-
To treat chronic migraines
Even though Botox injection causes headache in people , some tests conducted in people with migraine showed positive result that ended up in reducing their migraine . Some famous medical universities use Botox injection as treatment on people with very high level of migraine. So Botox treats migraine effectively.
-
To treat Overactive bladder or bladder dysfunction.
Frequent visit to bathroom with the frequent tendency to urinate always is due to the overactive bladder even for this issue Botox injection treatment works very well.
-
To treat severe underarm sweating
Botox injection showed a good positive as well as a notable change in people who got Botox injection . They started sweating less which on research proven that Botox is an excellent cure for excessive sweaty underarms.
-
To treat Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia can be treated with Botox where abnormal neck pain and head position abnormality gets treated and cured effectively with this drug.
Botulinum toxin is presently used to treat more than 20 dissimilar medicinal conditions, with its more applications still under exploration. Though it is approved by the FDA, it is important to note the dosage before administering it and safe dosage is considered non toxic though botulinum by itself is a toxin when exceeded in dosage.
Read Also : Scalp Micropigmentation side effects
Read Also : Scalp Micropigmentation aftercare tips -Sensitive Care Tips
Botox Risks and Side effects
Botox injections are by and large well tolerated but like it is with application of any other drug in human body, there are side effects of Botox too. In exceptional cases an individual may have a genetic predisposition that leads to a mild, momentary unusual reaction to the drug.
Just about 1% of people receiving injections of botulinum toxin type A build up antibodies to the toxin that make following treatments futile.
In people treated with botulinum toxin type B for cervical dystopia, antibody development has been seen up to 44% of patients.
Here are some side effects caused by this –
- Mild pain at the injection site
- brief numbness
- Headache
- Malaise
- Mild nausea
- Temporary weakness/paralysis of nearby musculature caused by the action of the toxin
- Neck weakness
- Influenza-like illness
- Gallbladder dysfunction
- Double Vision
- Bleeding
- Blurred vision
- Drooping of the eyelids
- Decreased eyesight
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Rashes
- Wheezing
- Swelling.
Botox injections should strictly be avoided by administering to pregnant and nursing women. Research shows that it is extracted into human milk and thus may have adverse effect on the new born or infant.
Read Also : Hormonal Imbalance Signs and Treatment in Men & Women
Advantages of Botox treatment
- Botox treatment is a temporary and choosy treatment. It need not be continued over a course of time. You can take one shot and can discontinue if you do not want to take the treatment.
- The results are very quick
- It is not just for treating wrinkles but also to reduce unwanted lines caused due to certain facial expressions is one of the greatest advantages of Botox (pros of Botox)
- The procedure is only for 5 to 10 minutes
- Although there are botox side effects, it is a safe mode of treatment.
Read Also : Staggering Pros and Cons of Microblading
5 myths about Botox
- Botox is only for wrinkles
- If you stop taking Botox injections your wrinkles will re appear or become worse
- Botox is only for women
- You are never too young for Botox
- The only time for Botox is when the lines have appeared
The above myths are busted and Botox is the most popular for multiple applications. Any body who wants to have a beautiful and healthy body can chose to take Botox shots. Single shot as well as multiple shots can be taken.
Read Also : Weight loss booster Foods you should take before & after exercise
Botox Cost
One unit of Botox injection can cost anywhere between $9 to $15. The number of units required for a particular treatment depends on how active the muscles are in that area to be treated. For instance to treat those lines on your forehead you will need 10 to 20 units. So the price is calculated accordingly.
Conclusion
Before you actually decide, you can check out the number of reviews by those who have undergone treatments. There are discussion forum and videos available online to get complete information about Botox injections. Despite above listed Botox side effects, known to most of the users, Botulinum toxin continues to enlarge in its demand and popularity.
13 Comments