Botox is a brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. It has been used by doctors for many years to successfully treat wrinkles and facial creases.
There are also other brand names, such as Dysport and Xeomin, but Botox is the name that has stuck in the public mind.
Among the many questions surrounding the use of Botox, the most common one is: How long do the effects of Botox treatments last?
Another frequently repeated query relating to the origins of Botox is concerned with whether it is dangerous to use.
It is true that the bacterium upon which Botox is based does have some historical connection to botulism. It was first recognized and isolated in 1895 by Emile van Ermengem from home cured ham implicated in a botulism outbreak.
The reason that he called it Bacillus Botulinus, was from the Latin word for sausage, botulus. Indeed, “sausage poisoning” was a common problem in 18th and 19th century Germany, almost certainly caused by botulism.
There have been reported cases of botulism following the use of Botox, but these are rare and the connection has not really been established.
And there are things people would like to know about Botox, other than how long it lasts.
These are the most commonly asked questions:
How does Botox work?
Botox acts to block the signals from the nerves to the muscles. When a muscle is injected it can’t contract. That makes the wrinkles relax and soften.
Botox is usually used on forehead lines, lines around the eyes, and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity don’t respond to Botox.
How is Botox administered?
Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It only takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia.
Three to seven days usually elapse until the full effect is seen. Avoid alcohol for at least one week before the procedure. Don’t take aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before treatment (to reduce bruising).
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect of Botox is temporary bruising. Sometimes headaches develop, which can last 24 to 48 hours. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping which can sometimes last up to three weeks. This is caused by the Botox moving around, so don’t rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection.
Who mustn’t use Botox?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease, don’t use Botox. Remember, Botox doesn’t work for all wrinkles, so check with your doctor if it’s suitable for you.
How much does Botox cost?
Botox costs can vary from $200 to $400 or more depending on the physician, location, units purchased, desired profit margin, ongoing promotions, etc. Some doctors price Botox based on cost per unit, while others base their price on the area of the injection.
Will my health insurer – or Obamacare – pay for Botox?
The short answer is, almost certainly not. Botox is not generally covered by insurance when used for cosmetic purposes. But you can check with your health insurance company just in case.
How Long Does a Botox Injection Last?
Botox is not permanent. How long the results from a Botox treatment last depends on the dosage and application.
For example, if the Botox is too diluted, or you don’t get the correct number of units of Botox injected, the results might not last very long at all.
In general, if the right amount of Botox is injected by a skilled doctor in the right muscles, Botox results can last 3-6 months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again.
One word of warning. Only allow a skilled and reputable doctor to inject Botox. Many unskilled people have jumped on the Botox bandwagon, sometimes with disastrous results.
Will Botox last long enough for you?
Do you use Botox now, or have you ever used it?
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