How long does Botox last for, and how much does it cost? Is it
painful?
By Alan
Botox or botulinum toxin A has the effect of temporarily erasing
wrinkles of expression located on the forehead or wrinkles of the nose
and so called crow’s feet. In fact, Botox is a bit like "crippling" a
muscle which is weakened and thus relaxed and therefore stopping the
development of expression lines.
The botulinum toxin is a substance produced by the bacterium Clostridium
botulinum. It is allowed many countries it is marketed under the name
Vistabel and is used for a specific and well regulated medical
procedure.
Botox or Vistabel is heavily diluted before being injected
subcutaneously (under the skin) to erase wrinkles of the forehead and
especially crows feet. The botulinum toxin limits muscle contraction and
gives a look that appears relaxed and rested. This toxin, given in large
quantity can cause food poisoning in the form of botulism. But doses
would need to be 1000 times higher than those used in injection form.
The effect is noticeable 3 days after the injection of Botox. It reaches
its maximum effect 10 or 15 days later. The effect of treatment is
relatively short as it is visible until about 4 months after injection
treatment. The intervention does not take more than 15 minutes and two
courses of injections annually are normally recommended.
They are not painful, but there are some minor side effects from the
injection of Botox. A patient may suffer from headaches, or bruises, or
facial pain. In exceptional cases, it may happen that the muscle used to
raise the eyelid is affected and the patient will have an eyelid falling
shut. Sometimes, very rarely, the eye muscles are affected and disorders
of sight can happen.
Although this all sounds unpleasant it is temporary. The use of
botulinum acid is forbidden for women who are pregnant or lactating or
if neurological diseases (myasthenia) is present. Taking aspirin or
anti-inflammatory before and after an injection of Botox is strongly
discouraged.
Any injection outside the areas mentioned above is prohibited. When
taking antibiotics, talk to your dermatologist because some associations
with Botox are discouraged. After an injection of Botox, avoid any
sports activity and do not massage the area injected. You should know
that this process will cost $400 to $600. |
