How Does Botox Work: Function, Process and Results

How Does Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Work?

While the science underlying Botulinum Toxin (Botox) may not be as well known, most people know the effects and understand why many get it. Also, how people often describe it shows that it works well to eliminate all wrinkles and makes one look younger.

So, how does Botulinum toxin work? What does botox do?

Keep reading as we will provide answers to these questions in this article since it’s crucial to know how Botox works before deciding whether it’s right for you.

What is Botulinum Toxin

Derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum, Botulinum toxin marketed under the brand name BOTOX® is beneficial when administered in small doses. Also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, this product manufactured under controlled laboratory conditions was initially developed for treating strabismus (eye misalignment) and blepharospasm (eye spasm).

However, in today’s world, Botox® plays a major role in the cosmetic industry, where it finds use in reducing wrinkles. As an FDA-approved neuromodulator, Botox is an injectable cosmetic treatment that helps relax muscle movement, thus reducing wrinkles and lines’ appearance. 

Aside from its cosmetic application, Botox® works well in treating several muscular and medical conditions. For instance, it effectively treats tremors, migraines, muscle spasms, sweating, etc. 

A 2016 clinical study of Botox shows that it is safe, simple, and effective in treating various conditions. So how does botox work?

How Does Botox Work?

How does Botox® work, then? Humans can only receive Botox injections in small doses due to their toxicity and what it does to the muscle. So what does Botox do to muscles? On injection, BOTOX® Cosmetic causes temporary muscle immobilization and relaxation by obstructing nerve signals. 

When muscles contract, wrinkles develop, so Botox prevents muscle contraction by blocking nerve signals. With the nerve signals blocked, the muscles momentarily stop contracting. BOTOX® has the advantage of being very specific, and its effects are temporary, which means to maintain its effects, retreatment is necessary.

How Is A Botox Procedure Done?

Now that we know what Botox is and how it works, what does the process of Botox entail? In this section, we will examine how professional cosmetologists undertake Botox procedures.

Getting Ready

To prepare for your Botox procedure, it’s crucial to let your doctor know if you’ve recently had injections in the last four months. Let your doctor know if you use muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, blood thinners, or allergy medications.

Although the procedure doesn’t involve much pain, you are responsible for determining your pain threshold. Also, note that numbing agents are an option and often included—for instance, ice, vibration anesthesia, or a topical anesthetic lotion.

Location is usually not an issue since you can have the injections right there, in your doctor’s office. Also, when it comes to injecting personnel, it is best to research your state thoroughly because some only permit medical professionals to provide Botox injections. However, in most locations, it is possible for RNs, plastic surgeons, medical spas, and dentists to administer this neurotoxin.

During Botox Injection

How is Botox injected? Your doctor will administer the shots using a small needle. The period depends on how many injections you will receive, but typically only takes a few minutes.

Botox costs between $9 and $18 per injection, depending on how many you need. Crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines are the most often treated locations, and the typical cost range is $300 to $500.

Care After Treatment

Your ability to resume your job and other regular activities should be immediate. Within the first 24 hours following the operation, try to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated regions, as this can distribute the Botox to other areas.

Normally, you won’t have to wait more than a week to notice the effects. If you decide to have Botox regularly, you’ll generally get the same dosage at first and then less. It’s wise to remember this information because it will help you estimate your spending every three to six months.

After use or purchase, you should know how store the botox properly to prevent waste. Here is an article on how to store botulinum toxin. 

How Does The Beginning Of A Botox® Treatment Feel?

It takes approximately 24 – 72 hours for the toxin to take effect. Your treatment areas can feel tight or “heavy” as Botox® starts to act. Within 1 to 2 weeks, this emotion will gradually pass. There might be a change in your ability to make expressions close to the treatment areas. 

Besides, you might notice differences in facial reaction when you lift your eyebrows since the injection slows and relaxes the muscles that are moving. The look of lines and wrinkles should also change noticeably. What’s more, there will be a progressive improvement in muscular movement, though, when the therapy wears off after 3 to 4 months.

Is Botox for You?

Botox is a well-liked procedure that works great to eliminate wrinkles and imperfections. It has just minor side effects when administered by a skilled practitioner. While costly and mildly unpleasant, the procedure has long-lasting effects, usually up to four months. 

Knowing a bit more about Botox functions and the specifics of the process will help you decide if it’s the correct choice.