Botox Cosmetic was first approved for aesthetic use by the FDA in 2002. Ever since that date, the contest for the most popular cosmetic procedure has been an open and shut case — Botox. Year in and year out, Botox injections are far and away the most popular single cosmetic procedure, surgical or non-surgical. In fact, when it comes right down to it, Botox is more famous than most of the celebrities who use it.
How does Botox work?
Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin. But scientists discovered decades ago that the botulinum toxin type A, when injected into a muscle in very small amounts, is able to paralyze that muscle for a certain period of time. Botox has been used for a few decades to stop involuntary eyelid spasms, some TMJ muscles issues, even migraine headaches. But when the FDA approved it for cosmetic use in 2002, the roof blew off.
Why? Creases and wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions when we perform day-to-day actions such as smiling or frowning. Botox actually blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscle, so the injected muscle can’t contract. And when those muscles that create crow’s feet and forehead creases don’t contract, the wrinkles don’t form. And when they don’t form, the patient looks years, sometimes decades, younger. Botox became an overnight cosmetic sensation.
How long do its results last?
The body eventually absorbs the now-harmless Botox, usually in about four to six months. At that point, the muscles in question will begin to contract again and the wrinkles will return. To maintain your results, another Botox session is needed.
What occurs following treatment with Botox?
A Botox session takes just a few minutes. There is no downtime, although there may be some slight swelling and redness at the injection sites. Patients also need to avoid rubbing the injected areas for 12 hours, as that can cause the Botox to migrate to unwanted spots. Results usually take from three to seven days to fully show themselves.
If you aren’t one of the millions of people who use Botox, you may want to make an appointment with Dr. Hetzler to give it a try. Call us at 732-219-0447.
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