The Multiple Benefits of Botox
Botox is an injectable treatment that offers various aesthetic and medical benefits. More simply put, is a wrinkle-removing treatment that will help you to successfully combat dynamic wrinkles caused by smiling and frowning. Also, a highly effective treatment to combat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Bruxism, urinary incontinence, and more.
But what makes this injectable so versatile, exactly? Join us as we look at the history behind Botox and discuss things related to the treatment.
To start, let’s explore the history of Botox. Believe it or not, Botox (botulinum toxin) has been around for over 100 years, in various forms. Belgian scientist first discovered it, Emile Pierre van Ermengem after a botulism outbreak circa 1895. However, it was Dr Herman Sommer who isolated a purified form of the toxin in 1928 and Dr Edward Schantz who purified it in crystalline form in 1946.
Dr Alan Scott is known as the “Father of Botox” as he was the ophthalmologist who discovered the therapeutic benefits of botulinum toxin for medical use in the 70s. It is believed that while Dr Alan Scott was testing this treatment for treating Strabismus, he noticed that botulinum toxin reduced the wrinkles in the glabella (the skin between the eyebrows and above the nose).
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin. It is an injectable treatment that uses a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum to temporarily inhibit the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. By relaxing the muscles, Botox softens the appearance of lines and prevents new ones from forming.
Benefits Of Getting Botox
Botox is primarily used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause them. Common facial areas treated with Botox include frown lines (between the eyebrows), Crow’s feet (around the eyes) and forehead lines. It allows you to subtly enhance the upper lip’s appearance by relaxing the muscles around the mouth too, often referred to as a Lip Flip.
However, Botox is also used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) by blocking the nerves that stimulate sweat glands. It is also used to medically help treat muscle spasms or stiffness in conditions like cerebral palsy, to help relax the bladder muscle if you struggle with an overactive bladder, to treat Bruxism (teeth grinding) by relieving the tension in the jaw, and it is even used to correct muscle imbalances in the eye in people who have Strabismus.
If you’re looking for the best Botox in London, remember that in order to reap the multiple benefits of what Botox has to offer, it is important to book a consultation with a qualified skincare specialist to avoid dissapointments.
Potential Side Effects
When administered by a qualified skincare specialist, Botox is generally a very safe treatment. However, potential side effects can occur. They are typically mild and short-lived but could cause bruising or swelling at the injection site, a temporary headache or flu-like symptoms. If you are not sure how to select a skilled and qualified skincare specialist, remember to look for a professional who is licensed and experienced in administering Botox, has a portfolio of before-and-after photos, and perhaps most importantly; someone who makes you feel comfortable. This ensures you to achieve natural-looking results.
It is important to note that Botox does not deliver instant results. Instead, you will begin to see changes within 3 to 5 days, with full effects appearing after 1 to 2 weeks. The results typically last 3 to 6 months, depending on factors like metabolism, lifestyle, and the treated area.
Regular maintenance sessions are also needed if you wish to prolong the benefits.
Is Botox Right For You?
Only a consultation with a skincare specialist can confirm 100% if Botox is the right fit for you. However, if you are in good health (and in good hands), Botox may be a suitable treatment for you.
There is no denying that Botox has revolutionised the world of aesthetics. Especially since it offers a quick, reliable, effective, and non-invasive solution to combat wrinkles and address various medical concerns like hyperhidrosis, Bruxism, and Strabismus.
Derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, Botox is suitable for both men and women, and when done correctly, it can enhance your natural expressions, leaving your skin looking rejuvenated.
While it might sound alarming to use a toxin for aesthetic purposes, Botox is FDA-approved and extensively tested to ensure its safety and efficacy. Meaning, whether you are seeking a subtle refresh or relief from a medical condition, Botox delivers transformative results with minimal downtime.
Since then, Botox has gone from strength to strength, and in 2002, the FDA approved the first aesthetic use of Botox injections in the glabellar region. And in 2013, the FDA approved the use of Botox to reduce the appearance of lateral canthal lines (Crow’s feet).