Botox, the protein made from the toxin called Botulinum is a drug, which is used all around the world to reduce skin wrinkles and other medical purposes. Known to have both medical and cosmetic uses, dermatologists trained in botox classes NYC, use the toxin in small and accurate doses to obtain the desired results. The treatment reduces visible signs of aging, which include wrinkles, creases around the forehead, lines at the corner of the mouth, and so forth.

Botox – What it does and What You Need to Know

The neurotoxin Botox targets the nervous system of the body when it is injected into specific muscles. It disrupts the nerve signals and therefore relaxes the muscles and halts the contractions. In short, it causes temporary paralysis of the injected muscles. Botox prevents the muscles from releasing a chemical that causes contractions. As a result, the muscles become less stiff and cease to contract, preventing the formation of wrinkles. The main purpose of Botox injections is to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Although the effect of the injection is temporary, it lasts for more than 12 months, depending on the type of injection and treatment.

Some of the most popular cosmetic use of Botox injections includes

• Reducing frown lines or the wrinkles in between the eyebrows
• Creases on the forehead
• Lines at the corner of the mouth
• Crow’s feet or wrinkles around the eyes

It is important to understand that Botox injections seldom work when the wrinkles are caused due to sun damage. It neither has any effect on dark or under-eye circles.
In addition to cosmetic uses, medical professionals who have attended botox classes, NYC, use botox injections to treat various kinds of ailments. The FDA has approved it to treat various ailments that include severe underarm sweating, severe migraines, reduce symptoms of overactive bladder, eyelid spasms, crossed eyes, and cervical dystonia.

Procedure – How it works

Getting a Botox injection is rather simple and the procedure can be completed within a few minutes. There is hardly any need to administer anesthesia. However, it is essential to ensure that your dermatologist is experienced and reputed enough to negate the possibilities of unwanted side effects. Powdered botulinum toxin is diluted in saline and injected directly into the neuromuscular tissues. It causes only minor discomfort while the needle is injected and the procedure takes only a few minutes.

The injection will take 7-14 days to give its full effect and it may last for 12 months depending on various factors. Doctors recommend a few prior procedures, which include avoiding the consumption of alcohol a week before the procedure. It is also essential to stop the consumption of anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin before the procedure. Otherwise, it might cause bruising.

Generally, botox injections are well tolerated and serious side effects are quite uncommon. Nevertheless, there can be exceptions and it can cause some side effects such as a headache, upset stomach, numbness, dry eyes, eyelid drooping, and so forth. It is also important to know that people with allergies and infections should not use botox injections. The same holds true for pregnant and breastfeeding women as it can cause minor side effects.

Conclusion

Botox injections have medical and cosmetic uses, but experienced dermatologists must administer them. It is primarily used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps to treat various disorders related to the muscular and nervous system. While you can expect a small prick while injecting botox, dermatologists use numbing creams if you are anxious about the pain. The procedure is short and simple and you can expect mild redness on your face, which will last for a day or two. Mostly, botox injections are safe and seldom cause any serious issues but if the toxin happens to moves beyond the site of injection, it can cause side effects such as difficulty in breathing, swallowing, muscle weakness, which needs immediate medical attention.