Most people in the developed world have heard of Botox, which is widely seen as the go-to treatment for removing fine lines and wrinkles. What many are unaware of, however, is that Botox is simply the commonly used trade name for Botulinum Toxin injections.
Botox itself is actually a powerful poison, with two kilograms of Botulinum Toxin supposedly being enough to kill the entire human population! When used correctly, however, in a medical environment, it can be used for numerous cosmetic tasks. Despite changing the way one looks, Botox treatment is non-surgical and is not permanent. In fact, Botox is the world’s most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment.
Botox is derived from a naturally occurring protein. It is a prescription-only medicine that must be administered by a trained professional.
Now that we know what Botox actually is, how does it work? Here are some facts regarding how Botox works:
- Botox comes in powder form: Although the Botox itself comes in powder form, this is obviously not injectable. Thus, the medical practitioner will dilute it with saline. This not only makes it injectable but also waters it down, ensuring that a dangerous amount of Botox does not enter your system.
- It “freezes” nearby muscles: After the chemical is injected into your system, it prevents nerve transmission from taking place. This, in effect, freezes the muscles in the area surrounding the injection. Seeing as the muscle is frozen, it is unable to contract. This reduces wrinkles by allowing them to soften, due to no muscle contraction. It also makes it less likely for new wrinkles to form.
- The Botox chemical may move (but VERY slightly): There is a chance that the chemical migrates up to three centimeters away from where the injection took place, preventing muscles from working in that area as well. But, three centimeters is a very small amount, and it is unlikely to have much of an effect on the way you look.
- It IS safe! : Despite the fact that Botox chemicals are very potent, during Botox injections, the quantities used are so minuscule, to the point that there is extremely minimal (basically zero) risk to your health. Cosmetic doses are typically more than 200 times less than the amount required to do systemic harm.
- Does swelling occur?: Well, this is a possibility, due to the Botox being diluted with saline. However, if your doctor is a well-trained professional, then swelling is unlikely to happen. If it does, then such swelling will wear off within a few hours.
- Botox does NOT make the area feel numb: Although the muscles are “frozen”, it does not prevent them from losing feeling, despite what many rumours say. You will have full feeling in the injected area.
If you are considering undergoing Botox treatment, then it is important to find a centre with people that know what they are doing. Be sure to check out our new post on Botox: Not Just for Wrinkles Anymore
Greetings, dear readers! I am Rohini. As a proud contributor to the Worthview blog, I am excited to bring you insights into the realms of fashion, beauty, and health. Let’s embark on this adventure together, where my words become a bridge between my world and yours. I look forward to our shared journey of discovery and connection.
