We’ve all heard and read about celebrities getting cosmetic procedures done to keep looking their best, and Botox happens to be one such treatment that most people are aware of. But what exactly is Botox and how does it work? Throwing light on the same, Dr Parag Telang, Plastic Surgeon (DHA, HAAD) and Director of Designer Bodyz Centre, says, “Botox is a protein made from Botulinum toxin. Botox treatment is minimally invasive, and is considered safe and effective for signs of ageing around the eyes. It can also be used on the forehead between the eyes.”
The best Botox in Leicester
BOTOX® treatment has become an established brand name in its own right and for good reason: because it just plain works. When you concentrate, squint or frown, the muscles in your face contract. After years of frequent contraction combined with other environmental and lifestyle factors, lines and wrinkles will form and eventually become permanent. When the muscles in our face move, a message is sent from the brain via nerves to the muscles, instructing them to contract. Anti-wrinkle injectables are a natural protein that works by interrupting this process, leaving those muscles unable to crease the skin. Our professional experts for botox in Leicester provide a safe and trusted environment for this procedure.
How Does Botox Work?
Interestingly, Botox is a toxin, but when used correctly, can have many benefits and cosmetic and medical uses. Dr Telang adds, “This drug weakens or relaxes a muscle, and in small doses, it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It works by blocking the nerves that contract muscles. Without a contracting muscle beneath it, the skin has a difficult time wrinkling. As such, Botox helps soften facial lines and wrinkles, but it can’t always get rid of them.”
Apart from cosmetic improvement, Botox is used for muscle spasm control, severe under-arm sweating. Explaining in detail, Dr Telang says, “In order for any muscle to contract, the nerves release acetylcholine, a chemical messenger, at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the cells to contract, or shorten. Botox injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, which stops the muscle cells from contracting. Botulinum toxin treatment helps the muscles become less stiff. Botox cosmetic treatment works by temporarily blocking nerve signals and muscle contractions.”
Botox is a minimally invasive procedure – it doesn’t involve incisions or general anaesthesia. To reduce the pain or discomfort, a topical anaesthetic or ice is used to numb the treatment area.
Side Effects Of Botox
Botox treatment is the most effective treatment for wrinkles, but it has some side effects as well. “Pain at the injection site, infection, inflammation, swelling, redness, bleeding and bruising are common. Some symptoms like itching, wheezing, asthma, skin rash, red welts, dizziness and faintness may indicate an allergic reaction,” says Dr Telang. Additionally, it is possible for the Botox to spread a little beyond the intended injection site and affect surrounding tissues. Dr Telang adds, “Dry mouth, fatigue, headache, neck pain, bruising, and, in rare cases, drooping eyelids or eyebrows are also visible that return to their natural position within a few months. One should always get the treatment done from a certified doctor to avoid any adversities.”
Precautions For Botox Treatment
Make note of these pointers:
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before getting Botox as it can increase the risk of bruising.
- To avoid spreading the toxin, don’t touch the face for at least 1- 3 days.
- Botox needs some time to settle into the muscle. For the first 24 hours, avoid other skin treatments such as facials, massages, derma fillers and exfoliation and scrubs. These procedures can reduce the effectiveness of the Botox treatment.
- Avoid sleeping on the injected areas to minimise physical pressure and let the Botox settle into your muscles. Also, avoid sleeping within 4 hours after the treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 hours. The heat can promote flushing and increase blood pressure, which may encourage bruising.