Botox, What Is It?

by

Steve PeersonWhat Is Botox?

Botox is the name that everyone is most familiar with – the nickname, if you will. The proper medical term is botulinum toxin. It s a neurotoxic protein produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. If that all sounds a little scary, it s understandable. Botulinum toxin can cause botulism in large enough doses. We often hear about botulism in relationship to food poisoning. It can cause paralysis and even death.

In medical settings, however, the dosage is miniscule and injections help, rather than harm. Botox has been used to successfully treat everything from wrinkles to uncontrollable blinking. The small and highly diluted dose weakens and relaxes the muscles enough to control their movement. Safely. Effectively.

Botox is not new. It s not a passing fad. It s not an unproven technique. It s a reliable, FDA-approved treatment. In fact, over 11 million people, women AND men, have tried it and loved the results. They love the fact that Botox injected into the facial muscles can temporarily improve the look of all those little lines on their face. The results are practically instantaneous and the recovery time is minimal. Many people choose to schedule an appointment on their lunch hour or day off and return to their normal activities just minutes later with no one the wiser.

In fact, expect to get many compliments on a well-rested appearance and maybe a Have you lost weight question or two. You see, well-placed Botox injections are designed to fool your friends by making you look more youthful.

How Exactly Does Botox Work?

The functionality of Botox is really quite simple. It blocks nerve impulses, which, in turn, helps the muscles of your face relax. When the muscles are relaxed, they are not contracting and forming those pesky little wrinkles. Medical professionals skilled in the employment of Botox treatments use Botox carefully and effectively. Small amounts are injected directly into the facial muscles of the offending areas in order to block impulses to the underlying muscles and give an overall smooth appearance. Over the years, repeated contracting of facial muscles through frowning, smiling, or squinting can create a strain on those muscles. They are overworked and need help relaxing. Botox to the rescue.

The goal, of course, is to get those deep grooves and lines running across our foreheads and down our faces to disappear. The end result can be quite remarkable. In fact, partial results are almost instant, but the full effect takes place over several days. Depending on your genetic makeup, the placement of the Botox as well as the type of wrinkles, the effects can last anywhere from four to six months. In some situations, the muscles can actually become trained to relax and end up returning less severe than prior to treatment.

The Nitty Gritty: How is Botox Administered?

Yes. It s a shot. Actually, a fine gauge needle. It s considered a non-invasive procedure, meaning no one is performing surgery. If you have a fear of needles, however, this may not be too comforting. Rest assured. The pain is quite manageable and the injection is often over before you know it. The skin can even be numbed with a cold pack or an anesthetic cream prior to starting the procedure, if that makes the process easier for you.

The entire process often takes less than 10 minutes.

The Results

Botox results are a combination of subtle and wow. You will look different when you leave the office, but no one will quite be able to tell what is different about your face. Tell them you got a facial. Tell them you ve been eating all your veggies. Tell them whatever you want, but know that it s only going to get better. In fact, the smoothness of your fine lines and wrinkles will only to continue to improve over the next several weeks.

The results will last anywhere from four to six months, depending on your personal genetic makeup and the severity of your wrinkles. You face will slowly and naturally return to its appearance before your procedure, if you don t choose to have Botox treatment again.

We all age. It s a fact of life. No one said that we couldn t get a little help along the way. Let Botox help you present the best you. Stop by the office and talk to us about whether Botox is right for you.

Peers Cosmetic Laser Care has been treating the cosmetic procedure needs of their patients for more than 20 years. Based in North Central Indiana, Peers Cosmetic offers a wide variety of services from

botox treatments

to hair removal and the latest in liquid facelift procedures to patients looking for world class care.

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