"BOT0X" is short for Botulinum Toxin, which is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. It has been used since 1920, but was marketed commercially in 1997. It has a wide variety of clinical uses for people who have problems with spastic muscle disorders, or an imbalance in eye muscles, to name a few. It can also be used in hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of the palms or axillary areas. It was as a result of using BOT0X for other problems on the face that its efficacy in getting rid of wrinkles was noted.Botulinum toxin, one of the most important substances to hit the field of facial rejuvenation. Short of a surgical facelift, this substance is the most popular way to reduce facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin can be used as a wrinkle treatment to smooth:
- Frown lines
- Crows feet
- Forehead furrows
- Skin bands on the neck
Smiling, frowning, squinting and even chewing - basically any facial movement can eventually lead to one of the most common signs of aging: wrinkles. They can make you appear tired or even angry when you are not. One of the quickest and safest remedies to remove wrinkles is an injection of botulinum toxin.
Botulinum toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B are both purified substances, derived from a bacteria. Injections of this substance blocks muscular nerve signals, which then weakens the muscle so that it can't contract and diminishes your unwanted facial wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, dermal fillers or microdermabrasion to further improve your results. This combination of therapies can even help to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.
What is the procedure of Bot0x?
Injections of botulinum toxin may seem like a simple procedure to you, since it's just a few shots. But it's actually both an art and science that only an experienced healthcare professional should do.
There are 43 muscles in your face and it's vital that the person who performs botulinum toxin injections understands and pinpoints the correct spots to optimize your treatment.
A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. By carefully choosing specific muscles, your healthcare provider weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles, preserving your natural facial expressions.
Botulinum toxin treatment injections usually take less than 15 minutes. The number of injections you need will depend on multiple factors, including your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles. Crow's feet, for example, usually demand two to three injections. Furrows above your brow could take five or more.
No anesthesia is required. There is no down time or recovery time.
You may notice results within a few days, but it can take up to a week to see the full effect. This improvement typically lasts about three to four months. When the effects of botulinum toxin begin to fade, your muscle reactions and the wrinkles will return.
How does it work?
To be used effectively, it must be placed at a correct dosage into the correct muscle. There are a number of facial muscles, and it is the contraction of these that is responsible for facial wrinkling. A plastic surgeon's knowledge of the anatomy of these muscles will allow for safe placement of the toxin.
Are the injections painful?
Most people tolerate the injections very well. They are delivered through very fine gauge needles. However, local anesthetic cream may be applied to the areas, one hour prior to treatment, for patients who are more sensitive. Ask your plastic surgeon about this.
How long does it take to work?
Results start to appear in three to five days, but may take up to a week. Finer wrinkles will disappear right away and more established ones take more time. With regular usage, one sometimes loses the habit of frowning altogether! If the wrinkles are very deep, ancillary treatment with filler materials about two weeks post injection may be necessary to achieve 100% result.
