Botox - What You Need To Know
We’ve all heard about Botox and its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. But, what is it, how does it work, and what are the long term effects?
Botox is an injectable neurotoxic protein that is used to temporarily paralyze the injected muscle. It works by preventing the release of acetylcholine, the body's chief neurotransmitter, which prevents the muscle from contracting and forces it to relax. When the muscles are fully relaxed, it softens the appearance of the skin, thus softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox is mainly used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face - Many women get Botox to reduce the appearance of their “turkey necks” or Platysmal Bands located on either side of the neck. As we age, the skin around our neck loses its elasticity and the bands underneath begin to become more and more prominent. Botox can make them less prominent by relaxing the bands and dynamic muscles.
As with any anti aging procedure, there are pros and cons. There are the obvious pros of Botox - reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Botox lasts 3-4 months, it is less invasive than a surgical face lift, and the natural increase of self confidence. But, there are also cons, for example, injecting an unintended muscle, resulting in temporary paralysis. It can take up to 2 weeks for you to see results. Some people claim that the procedure is painful and uncomfortable. There are side effects such as drooping eyes, headaches and muscle spasms. Studies have shown that only 3-5% of patients show signs of adverse side effects. The FDA states that there were only 36 allergic reactions reported between 1989-2003. And although it is uncommon to show side effects, they are still a risk for you to be aware of.
Still remains the question, what are the long term effects of Botox on aging skin? There is limited information on the long term effects of Botox since it’s only been on the market since 1983 and only became popular for anti aging in 2002. That being said, dermatological surgeon Patricia Wexler, M.D. has studied this exact topic and says “If used regularly, over a prolonged period of time, without interruption, eventually the muscle will atrophy from lack of use. When given a break from Botox, the muscles will regain strength.” Finding someone who is Licensed, certified and has experience will help in educating you further when considering Botox.
Botox can be a great option for anyone who would like to reduce the appearance of their aging skin.