Currently, BOTOX® is the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment in the world. Over one million treatments are administered each year. The clostridium botulinum is the organism that it’s derived from. This organism can be found in the sediment of untreated waters, streams, and lakes. The intestinal tracts of mammals also have the bacterium that is used to make BOTOX®.
How BOTOX® Relaxes Wrinkles and Fine Lines
By disrupting signaling processes that enable neurons to communicate, BOTOX® causes facial muscles to relax. There are actually eight different subtypes, and BOTOX® is commonly made with type A.
How BOTOX® Works
When administered in a safe dosage, BOTOX® provides therapeutic results. When injected into humans in small doses, it prevents signaling within nerve cells, so the target muscles don’t receive instructions to contract. For the muscles in your face to contract, your nerves must release a chemical messenger, called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter must be released where muscle cells meet nerve endings. The acetylcholine attaches to receptors on muscle cells and tells the muscles to shorten or contract. Since BOTOX® prevents the release of acetylcholine, it prevents target facial muscles from contracting, becoming less stiff.
How the BOTOX® Procedure Is Performed
If you want to relax fine lines and wrinkles, then you should understand how BOTOX® works. To prepare the injections, the botulinum toxin is diluted using a saline solution. The resulting solution is injected into the neuromuscular tissue.
After the procedure, it can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to realize the full results. This is the amount of time required to disrupt neurotransmitters. In rare cases, it can take up to five days for the results to appear. If you’re lactating or pregnant, you should avoid BOTOX®.
You should also avoid the procedure if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of the injection solutions. By paralyzing underlying facial muscles, BOTOX® can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While everyone is different, the results provided by it are quite predictable, and most patients are satisfied.
With over one million procedures performed each year, BOTOX® has proven to be the go-to treatment for a youthful appearance. If you have any questions about BOTOX®, Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas can help. Dr. Jeneby and his staff are dedicated to helping you find the right treatment. Contact us right way to schedule your consultation. We would be happy to help you achieve youthful, smooth skin.
