In recent years, tens of millions of people have received neuromodulator injections in the U.S. Meanwhile, across Asia, an estimated 2 in 10 people have had a cosmetic procedure. Botox treatment in Singapore, for instance, is one way to address certain cosmetic and medical concerns. It works in the injected area to reduce aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox is a common name in cosmetics. Derived from the words ‘Botulinum toxin,’ it refers to the purified form of the toxin produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. In its natural form, the toxin from this bacterium can cause a serious illness known as botulism. However, the small doses used in Botox treatments are safe.
So, what exactly is Botox treatment about? In this article, you’ll uncover the benefits and some of the expected outcomes.
What is Botox Treatment?
Botox treatment is a non-surgical but minimally invasive procedure. Small doses of botulinum toxin are injected to temporarily relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and facial creases.
An improperly done procedure can lead to complications and even poisoning. Therefore, it is important to get the Botox procedure done only by qualified doctors. Although some patients might wince at the thought of needles, the procedure is swift, with only mild discomfort.
How Does Botox Treatment Work?
Botox treatment simulates the effect created by the botulinum toxin. It causes temporary muscle paralysis by interfering with the communication pathway between nerves and muscles.
A chemical messenger, acetylcholine gets released from the nerves to the point where nerve endings meet the muscle. This brings about muscle contraction. However, the injection of Botox intercepts these nerve signals, preventing the release of acetylcholine. This messenger is now not available to bind to the receptors on the muscle cells.
The entire process causes the relaxation of the muscles. In cosmetic procedures, this relaxation of targeted facial muscles smoothes out wrinkles and fine lines.
Pre-Procedure
Botox treatment is a minor procedure and does not require general anesthesia. However, to reduce discomfort during the injection, patients may choose any of the following:
- Injection of a numbing medication into the target area
- Application of a topical numbing cream to the area
about an hour before the procedure.
With cold therapy, cold air gets blasted at the target area. This takes a few minutes to achieve temporary numbness.
Procedure
Botox procedure has the advantage of speed and simplicity. It involves:
- Injection Process
A qualified healthcare professional uses a thin needle to inject a small dose of botulinum toxin into the targeted muscles surrounding the problem area.
- Number of Injections
The number of injections needed depends on the target area and the desired outcome. Multiple injections may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
Benefits of Botox Treatment
Botox treatment has numerous benefits for dynamic wrinkles, which result from repetitive muscle movements such as smiling or frowning. They do not affect static wrinkles which develop due to aging, sun damage, and decreased skin elasticity. Some benefits of Botox treatment include:
1. Reduces Appearance of Wrinkles
Botox effectively reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, including Crow’s feet, forehead furrows, and frown lines.
2. Offers a Non-Surgical Option
Surgical procedures like facelifts may achieve the same effect as Botox treatment. But they are invasive. Botox treatment is non-surgical with little invasion. This simply means there is little downtime and patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
3. Has Multiple Applications
Although it is commonly used to treat signs of aging, Botox has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to help with medical conditions that affect the eyes and other parts of the body. Some of these ophthalmologic and general medical conditions include:
- Strabismus or Cross-eye
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder
- Eyelid spasms
- Severe underarm sweating
Other medical areas that use Botox, although without FDA approval, include in treatment of alopecia, psoriasis, and dyshidrotic eczema that affects the palms and soles of the feet.
What Can You Expect from a Botox Treatment?
Botox treatment takes effect within 24-72 hours after injection. Although the outcome of the procedure becomes evident in some individuals shortly after treatment, the full effects of Botox typically become noticeable within 7-14 days.
Worth noting is that Botox treatment is not permanent. The effects last between 3 and 6 months. This is due to varying factors, including muscle activity, individual metabolism, and/or the dosage administered. So, if you want wrinkles to disappear long-lastingly, you may need repeated touch-ups.
Costs
Costs for a Botox treatment can be any price between the range of $180 – $600. This price is often influenced by location and/or the reputation of the clinic or plastic surgeon. Also, the type of skin challenge you want to address can determine the price. For instance, Botox treatment for crow’s feet may cost more than for fine lines because it uses more units of Botox.
Who Can Get a Botox Treatment?
Botox treatment is not suitable for everyone. As a prescription medicine, it’s not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions such as cow’s protein allergy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also not candidates for Botox treatment.
Side Effects and Possible Risks
Consultation with your doctor is important. You can discuss your expectations while your doctor assesses your suitability for the treatment. You also understand the potential side effects of the procedure.
Some of the possible complications and side effects at the site of injection include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Headache
- Dry eye
- Droopy eyelids
There is also the risk of the Botox unit spreading to other parts of the body, causing poisoning. The symptoms are similar to those of botulism – muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and even bladder control challenges.
Conclusion
Botox treatment offers a safe and effective solution for rejuvenating the skin and reducing the signs of aging. It has become a popular choice for individuals seeking to achieve a more youthful appearance without undergoing invasive surgery. If you’re considering Botox, consult a qualified and licensed doctor to determine if it’s the right option for you.
