With age, many people aspire to keep their skin bright and vibrant, so they resort to Botox injections, which are becoming quit common these days, but what are these injections actually, and how effective and safe are they?

Botox is known as a drug consisting of Onobotulinumtoxin A, which is extracted from the bacteria that cause botulism poisoning, as this substance causes temporary paralysis in the muscles by stopping the chemical signals emitted from the nerves to give orders to the muscles to contract this would result in muscle relaxation and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in injected areas.

The use of Botox is not limited to cosmetics, as it may treat other cases, which we will discuss in the rest of the article.

 

Botox cosmetic benefits

The cosmetic use of Botox mainly revolves around masking facial wrinkles temporarily. The results of the injections last for about 3-12 months, depending on the type of treatment followed. Commonly, Botox is applied to the face in several places, which are as follows:

• Wrinkles that fall between the eyebrows.
• Wrinkles around the eyes.
• Occasional wrinkle lines in the forehead.
• Wrinkle lines in the corner of the mouth.

 

Recently, Botox injections for hair have also gained popularity, while the name is quite confusing, it can be divided into two types, one of which does not contain Botox at all, it is only a product used topically to fill damaged hair, which increases its vitality and luster, and usually It is sold in hair care salons, it contains different compounds such as collagen, essential oils and some vitamins.

While the other type is actual Botox, it was used without a permit, meaning that the Food and Drug Administration did not approve its use, however, some may use in certain quantities to reduce excessive sweating in the scalp in the hair, which will reduce the fluffiness or fizziness of hair, and the number of washes the hair might need.

 

 

Medical benefits of Botox

Botox is used as a treatment for many disease conditions approved by the Food and Drug administration, doctors may also use it, for its off label benefits, the following are the most common cases for which Botox is used to treat:

 

• Cervical dystonia: A painful condition in which the person suffers from uncontrollable constriction of the neck muscles, which leads to the head turning into an uncomfortable position.
• Excessive sweating: which occurs daily regardless of external factors, such as hot weather or physical activities.
• Chronic migraine: Botox injections may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks fo people who suffer from episodes that exceed 15 days per month.
• Muscle contractures: Botox helps relax the contracted muscles in this case, which prevents the body from excessive spasms.
• Amblyopia or lazy eye: This condition is mostly caused by an imbalance in the function of the muscles that determine the location of the eye.
• Eye twitch: Botox injections help treat popping or twitching of the muscles around the eye

 

Tips after a Botox session

 

To get the desired results from Botox, some tips must be followed, these include:

• Maintain a normal heart rate by avoiding physical activity during the first 24 hours.
• Avoid any contact, pressure or friction with the injected area.
• avoid cosmetics for 24 hours.
• Sit upright during the first four hours after the injection.
• Avoid touching the face.
• Avoid sleeping on the injected area.
• Avoid exposure to the sun in the first four hours, and try to avoid it as much as possible during the 24-48 hours following the injection.

  

References:

- Cassoobhoy, Arefa. “Botox Injections: Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Results.” WebMD, WebMD, 24 July 2020, webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-botox.
-“Botox Injections.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658.
- Cassoobhoy, Arefa. “Botox Injections: Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Results.” WebMD, WebMD, 24 July 2020, www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-botox.
- “Botox Injections.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658.
- “Botox for Hair: Effects, Use, and Safety.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320373.
- “Botox Cosmetic Uses, Side Effects & Warnings.” com, www.drugs.com/mtm/botox-cosmetic.html.