Botox is a type A botulinum toxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In this form, it is used for medical and medicinal purposes on the lips, hair, to remove forehead wrinkles along with hyaluronic acid, to eliminate crow’s feet, and even to rejuvenate the scrotum. It also has uses as a treatment for excessive sweating. It has many applications, and its properties and benefits are valuable for many people.
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What is Botox
Known as a substance that paralyzes muscle function, this toxin is the product of a rod-shaped bacterium.
There are different strains of Clostridium botulinum. Some can be used in aesthetic surgery and medicine while others cannot. The one relevant for improving facial wrinkles or removing expression lines is type A botulinum toxin. It has a high safety range, although it should always be administered by a professional as it is not free from risks. Originally, it produces botulism.
Uses
- Eliminate expression wrinkles.
- Block the ducts of sweat glands.
- Relieve symptoms of cervical dystonia and other types of dystonias.
- Hair treatments.
- Involuntary muscle contractions.
- Effective against urinary incontinence.
It is used in paraplegic individuals to remedy urinary incontinence. Thanks to its effects, it can enable control over urinary functions.
The most well-known use in the aesthetic field is as a substance to remove wrinkles. Botox in the lips receives many consultations and requests for advice from women. Regarding other facial areas, Botox in the forehead is used to prevent the appearance of skin folds or, more precisely, to remove those that have already appeared. It is one of the most commonly injected substances in the glabella to combat the so-called frown lines.
Hyperhidrosis
In addition to its uses as an intradermal injection, it is useful and practical for controlling a disorder related to sweat glands. People suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating can benefit from its properties.
When applied correctly, it prevents sweat flow and minimizes the discomfort experienced by patients with this disorder. Botox in the armpits blocks sweat production significantly and reduces sweat secretion.
Botox for Hair
Its hair benefits are very practical. Hair botox is a cosmetic with a broad composition. It is not actually botulinum toxin but includes vitamins with properties for hair growth and hyaluronic acid for hair, which helps increase the hydration of keratin fibers.
Its ingredients are panthenol, biotin, niacin, collagen, and if done at home, there is the possibility of adding key elements adapted to strengthen each person’s hair health.
Are there changes before and after?
Most people are very satisfied with the results. However, it is necessary to differentiate the uses since opinions about hair botox are one thing, while focusing on aesthetic uses may yield different opinions.
Generally, except for a few exceptions, the changes with Botox before and after are noticeable. In the forehead area, expression wrinkles disappear. It is very common to see skin folds in this area due to involuntary muscle contractions. From the center of the eyebrows to the wrinkles crossing the forehead are caused by the elevation and pressure of muscle fibers. These, with the release of acetylcholine, can press, and Botox works by blocking these effects.
Botox Cream
Here we have a case similar to the one mentioned with hair botox. It is not actually type A botulinum toxin or any type of it. Products labeled this way contain peptides that are capable of inhibiting the effect of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. So, it is a different product, although its intended purpose and lab results are similar.
It is important to note that the effects in real life are not comparable since the absorption rate of the skin is different. With a Botox injection, the exact and necessary amount is administered to last for several months. With commercially available Botox creams, one must apply them daily to prevent skin aging.
However, many people may find it very effective, functioning as an anti-aging cosmetic and as a remedy to inhibit wrinkles by relaxing facial muscle movement.
Brands of Botox Effect Creams
- Relaxaderm.
- Botox apitox.
- Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv.
- Kanebo Sensi Cellular Lifting Cream.
- Sisley serum with Botox effect.
- Caviar anti-wrinkle.
- Chanel Le Lift.
Remember that although they do not contain botulinum toxin, the effects they offer are similar but much milder. The results aim to eliminate expression wrinkles by reducing micro-tensions in the skin that deform connective tissue, facial fibroblasts.
Can It Be Used at Home?
Categorically no. It is a medicinal substance. Its handling is only authorized for professionals. You can check the price of Botox at aesthetic clinics and centers dedicated to facial care.
For home use, you can purchase some of the creams mentioned and others with similar effects. Hair Botox at home is good, it has beneficial properties without issues, and you can also enjoy the creams.
Side Effects
It is considered safe and is continuously used as a treatment for focal dystonias such as blepharospasm, writer’s cramps, spasmodic torticollis, or other areas of the body. Nevertheless, it is advisable to review the possible side effects of Botox:
- Muscle weakness in the treated area.
- Drooping of the upper eyelids in blepharospasm, upper eyelid blepharoplasties.
- Difficulty swallowing when used as a remedy for cervical dystonia.
- Pain in the injected area.
- Speech or respiratory problems as an allergic reaction or overdose. In such cases, immediate assistance at a hospital is required.
In most cases, adverse reactions and unwanted effects are temporary, meaning they disappear over time, and necessary follow-up injections can continue.
Precautions
Botulinum toxin should always be administered by a certified physician, in suitable facilities with the necessary equipment.
It is important that the person handling this substance has experience to provide the best results.
The professional must follow precise instructions, doses, authorized areas for the use of type A botulinum toxin products, and injection methods.
Do not use during pregnancy and lactation.
People allergic to eggs or albumin should avoid it.
Consult with your doctor before using it with any other medication, as well as with muscular, degenerative, or chronic diseases.
Is It Worth Paying the Prices for Botox?
The cost should always be analyzed based on the results. Based on this, an informed opinion can be formed.
If it is a medical treatment, the risks and benefits should be evaluated, and one should seek advice from a specialist, as they understand the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin and its effects on the body. Botox prices are much lower than at the beginning of its application.
Botox or Hyaluronic Acid
Often there is a decision between one or the other, but in reality, they can be used together. It is quite common for aesthetic clinics to recommend using both substances on the face.
Hyaluronic acid acts as a wrinkle filler, an intradermal injection substance with results to blur and eliminate expression lines, and adds volume to the skin and lips. Using it together with Botox enhances the benefits. Combining the properties of these two cosmetic and medicinal substances helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles and expression marks, such as those that appear when smiling. In any case, each person needs a minimal amount, and depending on how they age, they may need one or the other facial cosmetic substance.