What is Botox? Comprehensive guide and all tips before and after Botox

Botox is a drug that weakens or paralyzes muscles. This drug in small doses can have a unique effect on reducing wrinkles and help to treat some diseases. Botox is a protein produced by Clostridium botulinum from botulinum toxin. This toxin is the same toxin that causes botulism. Botox has both cosmetic and medical uses and is great for removing skin wrinkles. Stay with us for more information.

What is Botox?

Botox is derived from the bacterium C. botulinum, which exists in many natural environments, including soil, lakes, forests, and the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish. C. botulinum bacterium in some conditions starts to produce botulinum toxin which is responsible for botulism. This poison is very dangerous and scientists believe that only 1 gram of it can easily kill 1 million people.

However, if Botox is used in the right direction and under the supervision of a doctor, it is completely safe and even has few side effects. This drug temporarily paralyzes muscles and is used for people suffering from various muscle or nervous disorders, as well as to eliminate wrinkles. With increasing age and the reduction of collagen in the skin, the possibility of skin sagging and wrinkles increases, which can be easily combated with Botox.

How does Botox work?

Botox is a neurotoxin that targets the nervous system and disrupts the nerve signaling processes that cause muscle contractions. In fact, Botox causes temporary muscle paralysis. For muscle contraction, nerves release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine binds to receptors in muscle cells and causes muscle contraction.

Botox injection prevents the release of acetylcholine and actually prevents the contraction of muscle cells. In this way, the poison introduced into the body helps the muscles become less stiff.

Uses of Botox in cosmetic work

Reducing facial wrinkles is one of the most widely used uses of Botox. The effects of Botox are temporary and last from 3 to 12 months depending on the type of treatment. Botox is usually injected into the following areas:

• A frown line or a wrinkle between the eyebrows
• Crow’s claw lines or wrinkles around the eyes
• Horizontal wrinkles on the forehead
• Lip corner lines

However, be careful that the FDA only approves the use of Botox around the eyes and on the forehead.

Botox uses in medicine

Botox is used to treat some diseases that affect the neuromuscular system. The FDA has approved the use of Botox for people over the age of 18; Except in the following cases, which can be used for those under 18 years old:

• Upper limb spasticity in people over 2 years old
• Crossed eyes or strabismus in people over 12 years old
• Excessive underarm sweating or hyperhidrosis
• Migraine prevention
• Reducing symptoms of overactive bladder
• Eyelid spasm or blepharospasm due to neck dystonia

• Botox injection should be avoided in 4 cases: 1- If the person has already shown an allergic reaction to it. 2- During pregnancy 3- During breastfeeding 4- Presence of infection at the injection site.

What are the side effects of Botox?

Side effects of Botox are uncommon and most people tolerate it without any problems. In rare cases, the following side effects may be observed:

• dry eyes
• stomach discomfort
• numb
• Mild pain, swelling, or bruising around the injection site
• Headache
• Temporary eyelid droop
• Unwanted temporary weakness or paralysis in the muscles adjacent to the injection site
• Urinary problems after treatment of urinary incontinence
• Diplopia after treatment strabismus
• Corneal ulcer after blepharitis treatment
• Cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmia and myocardial infarction

Important points before Botox injection

Before injecting Botox, pay attention to the following:

• Do not use anti-inflammatory drugs 1 week before Botox injection.
• Avoid eating foods containing garlic.
• Alcoholic drinks should never be used about 1 week before Botox.

Care after Botox

After Botox injection, consider the following points:

• Do not exercise immediately after Botox and postpone your exercise until tomorrow morning.
• Avoid makeup for 1 day after Botox because there is a possibility of infection.
• Do not use aggressive facial cleansers after Botox. After 24 hours, if you want to clean your face, use a mild cleanser.
• Avoid lying down for the first few hours after Botox.
• Do not expose your skin to sunlight and ultraviolet rays after Botox. Also, avoid saunas and activities that cause heat.

The best age for Botox

Most people notice the first fine lines on their face in their early 30s. It is at this time that preventive measures to prevent wrinkles from deepening can be effective. So it is better to start Botox injections in the early 30s. Of course, this treatment can be started even earlier than 30 years old. In the 20s, Botox injections can have a completely preventive aspect of wrinkles.

Types of botox

There are many different brands for Botox, the most famous of which include:

• Dysport (English)
• Xeomin (among the best botox brands)
• Neuronox (Korean)
• Kenitox
• Masport
• Dermatox

What is the best brand of botox?

All the brands we mentioned in the previous part are among the best, but among them, Xiaomin has better quality. To store this type of Botox, it does not need to be kept at a low temperature. There are no additives in this brand, and besides, its effect is excellent. The shelf life of Zeomin can be 6 to 9 months.

How long does Botox last?

In general, the effect of Botox lasts between 3 and 4 months. Of course, there are people for whom Botox may only last about 2 months. Some people are completely opposite and may see the effects of Botox for about 6 months. People who experience Botox for the first time may find that the effect wears off very quickly, but the next time the substance will have more lasting effects.

How often can we apply Botox?

In general, Botox can be injected every 4 months. But people’s bodies and their reactions to this substance are different. Therefore, some people may need re-injection sooner or later. Many doctors do not recommend Botox injections less than 3 months apart.

final word

Here we have explained general information about Botox for you. Today, Botox has many fans all over the world. Most people use Botox to reduce wrinkles. Of course, this drug can also be used in medical cases and we mentioned it in this article. You can personally get Botox from pharmacies and leave its injection to a skilled doctor.