Want to Smooth Away Wrinkles? Try Botox!

November 18, 2016, 9:19 pm

The problem of fine lines and wrinkles is not a new one. However, Botox injections are a relatively new solution. The US Food and Drug Administration have granted their approval to Botox as a safe and reliable procedure for providing a temporary correction of wrinkles and fine lines.

What Is Botox?

Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is a neurotoxin protein produced by a bacterium that causes the disease known as botulism. However, owing to its property of blocking nerve activity and temporarily reducing the activity of muscles, Botox has been widely used for the treatment of a variety of medical and cosmetic issues.

Botox can be used for treating cervical dystonia, muscles spasms, hyperhidrosis, nerve disorders, and migraine headaches. This injectable finds the most popular and extensive usage in the cosmetic industry, where it is widely employed as a treatment for facial wrinkles and lines.

Where and How Is Botox Used?

Botox can be injected into the muscles in extremely small doses to temporarily block signals from the nerves to the muscles. As a result, the injected muscle is paralyzed and can no longer contract, leading to a relaxation and softening of the wrinkles and fine lines on the skin’s surface.

The Botox injectable treatment can be employed for a variety of sites, including the forehead, the chin, the neck, the area between the eyebrows, and the corners of the eyes.

How Is the Botox Procedure Performed?

Botox can be injected in the form of a diluted mixture of the toxin, sodium chloride, and water directly into the neuromuscular tissue of the treatment site. Since the procedure is performed by using fine needles that cause only minor discomfort, there is no requirement of an anesthetic to numb the target tissue.

It will typically take three to seven days for the Botox to disrupt the synaptosomal process and for the skin to exhibit the effects of the treatment. Patients are advised to refrain from consuming alcohol for at least a week before they take the Botox treatment. Pregnant or lactating women and individuals with allergies to the drug must avoid Botox injections.

Recovery and Results

Individuals who have undergone the Botox treatment typically experience mild headaches or temporary bruising on the injection site, both of which fade away within a couple of days. The effects of Botox are exceptionally pleasing and produce excellent visible enhancement of the skin appearance and texture.

As muscle activity is restored after a period of four to six months, unwanted wrinkles may reappear after this time. However, with repeated sessions of Botox treatment over the years, the recurring wrinkles will become less severe as the muscles are gradually trained to relax.

Schedule Your Botox Consultation

The Botox treatment can be a highly effective cosmetic procedure for restoring the youthful firmness of your skin, provided you get it from an experienced professional. Dr. Matt Hlavacek is a highly skilled surgeon serving patients in the Kansas City area. Arrange a consultation for Botox by contacting our office today.