Botox has become such a well-known brand that most people think it has been around far longer than it has, at least for the use they know it — removing the 11s and the crow’s feet on the face. While it has been used for a long time for addressing medical conditions such as involuntary muscle spasms, it’s a relative newcomer in the aesthetic world.
But rule that world it does.
Botox Cosmetic was first approved for aesthetic use in the United States by the FDA in 2002. Ever since this injectable was tasked with conquering wrinkles, it’s been no contest for what is the overall most popular aesthetic procedure. Year in and year out, Botox injections are far and away the most popular single cosmetic procedure, surgical or non-surgical, worldwide. This was again true in 2015.
What’s Botox’s secret?
Although not true as much these days, originally some people were scared of Botox because it’s derived from the botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin. This is the same neurotoxin that causes botulism. 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 it was tasked with facial wrinkles, that’s when things went off the charts!
Why? Because Botox works, plain and simple. 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 often do I need Botox injections?
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. Some people absorb the Botox faster than others; results vary between people. Regardless, when the Botox is absorbed, it’s time for another Botox session with the Elite team.
What occurs following treatment with Botox?
A Botox session at Elite 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.
At Elite, we also offer Xeomin, which is basically the same makeup as Botox, except Botox has some extras proteins in the mix, while Xeomin is strictly botulinum toxin. Some people who have had reactions to Botox (very rare) can use Xeomin instead.
If you haven’t yet been introduced to Botox, maybe it’s time to join the millions who swear by it! Call us at 616-459-1907 and ask us any questions or schedule an appointment.
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