Did you know that botox has been used by health care professionals for so many years already? In fact, a botox treatment by a cosmetic dentist is also possible to address various oral health problems. For general cosmetic purposes, this procedure is executed to treat wrinkles and those irksome facial creases. But how long does it take for botox to kick in? What are other things you should know before undergoing the procedure?
Mechanism of Action
Short for botulinum toxin, botox is considered a neurotoxic protein that’s produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The main function of botox is to block the signals coming from the nerves to the muscles. If the muscle which has been injected is unable to contract, the wrinkles present will relax and soften.
The procedure is used in various cases. Commonly, it is applied to one’s forehead where lines are visible. Frown lines and crow’s feet or those lines surrounding the eye can also be treated with botox. Moreover, it can also be used lip and chin lines, even at the corner of the neck and mouth. However, wrinkles triggered by gravity and sun damage cannot be treated by botox.
How Is Botox Performed?
The procedure itself is not really that complicated and you don’t even need anesthesia for this. Undergoing botox only takes a few minutes. A very fine needle will be injected to the specific and targeted muscles, hence, only causing minor discomfort with less to zero pain. The full effect of the treatment will take within three to seven days.
However, it is advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol at least one week prior to the procedure. It is also highly recommended not to take anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin two weeks before the treatment. This will reduce the risks of bruising.
How Long Do the Effects of Botox Injections Last?
Once you’ve started undergoing botox treatment, the full effect may last three to four months. Afterward, the injected muscles will slowly return to their normal state, enabling those wrinkles and lines to appear once again. This is the reason why botox is a repetitive kind of treatment.
Although you need to have repeated sessions of botox treatment, the good news is that the reappeared lines and wrinkles are much better and not as severe compared to the time the first treatment was implemented. This is because the injected muscles are now being trained to relax. After numerous sessions, the muscles will get used to the relaxation effect.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of botox is bruising. As mentioned above, you need to avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin to minimize this side effect. There are also rare cases where patients experience a headache within 24 to 48 hours.
You may also wonder why you’re experiencing eyelid drooping. This is where the botox moves around, hence, it’s strongly advised not to rub the treated area 12 hours after the procedure. No worries though, drooping would only last for a maximum of three weeks.
Contraindications
Botox treatment should not be given to patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or even those who are still below 18 years of age. Those with neurological conditions are also not encouraged to undergo this treatment.
