Botox is one of the best known group of medications that makes use of various forms of botulinum toxin. This toxin is a type of food poison, which is able to paralyze muscle activity temporarily. Botulinum toxin blocks chemical signs from the nerves, particularly those that cause muscle contraction, which mechanism has brought forward many medical and cosmetic applications.
As Botox relaxes facial muscles, it increases the fullness and smoothness of the treated area by blocking the formation of mimic lines and at the same time reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles.
In addition to Botox cosmetic procedures, Botox injections are commonly used to treat certain medical conditions, including:
- Repetitive neck spasms or cervical dystonia – a painful condition which causes involuntary muscle contraction.
- Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis
- Overactive bladder
- Strabismus (squints) or crossed eyes
- Lazy eyes
- Chronic migraine prevention
- Muscle contractures
- Excessive blinking or blepharospasm
- Relaxation failure of the lower esophageal sphincter or Achalasia
- Chronic focal neuropathies.
- Bruxism
- Anal fissure
- Vaginismus – reduces the spasm of the vaginal muscles
- Movement disorders associated with injury or disease of the central nervous system
- Trauma
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Focal dystonias affecting
- Limbs
- Face
- Jaw
- Vocal cords
- Temporomandibular joint pain disorders
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Wound healing
- Excessive salivation
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Allergic rhinitis
Botox Cosmetic Procedure
Some Botox cosmetic treatments are extremely popular and widespread worldwide. Botox cosmetic procedures include facial wrinkle reduction, moreover, with Botox lips are also offered to be rejuvenated.
Botox therapy must be available strictly under prescription of health professionals, including physicians, cosmetic, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists.
In the treatment a thin needle is used to inject tiny amounts of the toxin into well-selected facial muscles or skin. After the procedure, the patient can resume normal daily activities right away. The effects are expected to last for three to twelve months, but some specific procedures may require regular follow-up injections.
Botox Risks
Injections of Botox are safe when performed by doctors who specialize in Botox cosmetic procedures. Some common side effects are swelling or bruising, rarely flu-like symptoms and headaches.
When the injections are not placed properly, adjacent tissues may receive the toxin and cause diverse problems such as:
- Dry eye
- Excessive tearing
- Crooked smile
- Cockeyed eyebrows
- Eyelid droop
Botox is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Always demand your Botox injection to be supervised by a specialist! Only certified doctors can advise and determine the best procedures suited to each patient’s individual needs!
Botox Cost
Botox price can range between $100 and 1,000, depending on the geographical location, the facility and the doctor’s fees.
The most common areas for Botox cosmetic treatments are forehead, crows’s feet and the glabella. Botox price for approximately 60 units in the three areas is around $575, which implies that the price should be around $10 per unit.