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The bacteria, called Clostridium botulinum, produces the active ingredient in the BOTOX injections that has the ability to induce the paralysis of muscles.
When used in extremely small quantities and concentrations, this toxin can temporarily relax targeted facial muscles. BOTOX offers a non-surgical option for softening visible signs of aging, with little to no downtime for many patients.
BOTOX injections contain a toxin that is produced by a specific strain of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. During normal muscle functioning, a specific neurotransmitter called acetylcholine is released into the junction where the muscle cells meet the nerve endings. The acetylcholine then binds to the receptors within the muscle to induce the contraction movement of the muscle. The Botulinum toxin that is contained within BOTOX injections can block the release of this chemical neurotransmitter, which temporarily reduces the contraction of treated muscles. This allows the muscle cells to relax and decrease in stiffness.
Depending on what is being treated, the effects of BOTOX injections are temporary, and how long they last varies from person to person. The type of wrinkles that respond best to BOTOX injections are dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are a result of the muscular movement that happens when a person laughs, smiles, and squints. These type of wrinkles most often manifest on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the lips. Over time, as the skin ages, these wrinkles can become deeper and more apparent. BOTOX injections can help reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
With BOTOX, downtime is usually minimal, although mild swelling or bruising at the injection sites is possible. Most people are able to return to normal daily activities following the injection. At the beginning of the appointment, your provider will usually apply an anesthetic cream around the areas that will be injected. The appointment should only take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many injections need to be administered. It typically takes three days to feel the muscles in the affected area start to relax. Improvement in wrinkles and lines is typically apparent after about one week, although results vary.
BOTOX injections can soften lines for many individuals; however, the way the skin and muscles react to BOTOX injections varies from person to person. BOTOX injections are meant for healthy adults that are at least 18 years old. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not get BOTOX injections.
Individual results vary. These photos show one person’s results and are not a guarantee of your results.
