Introduction:
As far back as we can remember, there have been many different opinions floating around a little something called botulinum toxin, otherwise known as Botox. Everyone has something to say about facial injections, and there are tons of information available on the internet. But how can you know who has the right information? Isn't that overwhelming?! Well, the mystery is now over and behind us; let me walk you through it. We’ll talk about botulinum toxin injections and learn all about the essentials to eliminate any misconceptions you may have.
What Is Botulinum Toxin?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is derived from botulinum toxin. Despite the fact that Botox is a toxin, doctors have been able to use it for our benefit. It relaxes the muscles in your face to smooth out lines and wrinkles, such as crow's feet and frown lines, as well as other signs of aging. It can also be used for other purposes. But let’s keep talking about its cosmetic uses and benefits.
How Does It Work?
It’s very simple. It works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. As a result, all of your wrinkles relax because the injected muscle can't contract. Botox or botulinum toxin injections are therefore the perfect solution for facial slimming. There’s a reason why it’s everyone’s favorite. Not only do all the ladies prefer it, but also the professional estheticians.
So with that out of the way, let’s talk about its types, shall we?!
What Are The Types Of Botulinum Toxin?
There are three main types of botulinum toxin, and they are as follows:
● Dysport:
Firstly, we have Dysport. It is a fast-acting, long-lasting prescription injection designed to help remove moderate to severe frown lines and wrinkles between the brows without altering your facial appearance or movement. The fact that 97% of women who received Dysport said they'd do it again is not surprising. It has been approved by 69 countries and tested in clinical trials for 25 years. This treatment lasts up to six months and you will start noticing the results in two to three days. With only two sessions a year, you can get rid of your wrinkles. So When you need something fast-acting that lasts a long time, Dysport is the way to go.
● Xeomin:
As opposed to Botox, Xeomin contains only botulinum toxin without its accompanying proteins. This can make dealing with it a bit dangerous since it may cause serious side effects that could be life-threatening. So, before getting the injections, think about it carefully. It's similar to Botox in terms of effectiveness because you won't see any effects for a week or two, and it only lasts for 3 to 4 months. Xeomin was first approved by the FDA in 2010 for treating fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a number of other conditions. In summary, Botox and Xeomin are extremely similar, with the only notable difference being that Xeomin can be dangerous to some.
● Monobloc:
Finally, we have monobloc. Stay away from this one, as it could have some severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. Plus, it is not approved for cosmetic use, so you have no business dealing with it whatsoever. Let’s keep it on the shelf.
How Long Do The Effects Last?
Typically, Botox's effects last for about 3 to 6 months. When the effects wear off, the muscles will be able to move normally again, and your wrinkles will start to appear again. That means another trip to your clinic. Will this have to go on forever? Definitely not. Over time, your facial muscles will shrink as a result of continuous numbness, reducing the lines and wrinkles on your face. Accordingly, the end of the Botox injection fairytale is that you will remain beautiful and wrinkle-free forever. So yeah, the before and after pictures of the effects of botulinum toxin that you see on social media are a true story.
Does It Have Any Side Effects?
Botox has a lot of side effects, but if it is used correctly and responsibly, it will not cause any severe issues for you. In summary, here's what to expect after your Botox session:
● Transient decreasing of the eyelids.
● Headaches.
● Numbness.
● Stomach Aches.
● Dry Eyes.
● Inflammation, mild pain, and probably some bruises around the injected area.
● Occurrence of cardiovascular events, which would include arrhythmia and myocardial infarction.
● Deterioration of neuromuscular diseases.
Now, Let’s Talk Money:
To be fair, Botox injections are the most affordable of all the anti-aging injections. Botox typically costs between $300 and $500. This price is per dose, of course. An average Botox unit costs between 10$ and 18$. But this is where it gets complicated. It is always tricky to estimate the total cost because it all depends on how many units you need to reach your beauty goals. As I mentioned before, an average Botox session consists of 20 units, which will cost you between 300$ and 500$. However, if you have a lot of wrinkles, you may need more than 20 units. Which would probably cost you around 1200$ for about 60 units. So is it worth the financial trouble? It’s a solid yes for me!
So, What Is The Conclusion Here?
Two things are always forgotten whenever anyone decides to get a Botox treatment. First, they forget why they are doing it. This is especially true for young women. Social media has a significant impact on this group. It's not possible for a young lady to look at all the supernatural beauty on Instagram and think "no thank you." It’s quite the opposite. This brings me to my second point, which is that ladies also forget that botox is not restorative, but only presentative. All you can do is to keep getting more when it starts to wear off, which leaves your skin wanting more. So before making that decision, remind yourself why you want to do it and when is the proper time to. Therefore, I believe that you are the one to decide if it’s worth it or not. Consulting an experienced esthetician is always important when it comes to these injections, so don’t forget to check what’s right for you first.