Botox is a trade name for purified botulinum toxin. This particular treatment has become extremely popular for fighting the fine lines and wrinkles that are regular side effects of aging. This treatment works particularly well on the delicate skin of the face, helping to erase crow’s feet, forehead lines and frown lines.
The botulinum toxin works by weakening the muscles, thus preventing the lines caused by contraction of the treated muscle. Results generally last between 4-6 months and may be repeated every 4-6 months as necessary. When combined with other treatments such as chemical peels, daily alpha hydroxyacid and tretinoin cream, this can be one of the most effective methods for keeping the skin looking soft, smooth and more youthful.
Since this is a serious medical treatment, there are certain precautions that apply. You should not undergo Botox ® injections if you have myasthenia gravis, neuromuscular disease, an allergy to human albumin or to botulinum toxin or if you are now pregnant or breast feeding.
What are the potential side effects of Botox?
Like any medical treatment, Botox injections are not without potential side effects. Sometimes an injection does not take and a touch-up is necessary. These touch-up treatments can cost ¼ to ½ the cost of the initial treatment fee.
One in ten patients will develop a small bruise or hematoma, which will take several weeks to resolve. In rare cases, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid can occur; this can last 3-6 months but is always reversible. Even more rare are cases of double vision, which can last 3-6 months but are also always reversible.
What should you do before and after?
There are some particular precautions that must be taken prior to and after receiving Botox injections. You should refrain from drinking alcohol for one week prior to treatment and you should not take any anti-inflammatory medication or aspirin for two weeks before treatment.
After treatment, do not lie down for 4 hours and do not massage the treated muscles, this can cause the Botox® to spread to the muscles around the eyes. Exercise the muscles every 15 minutes for 1 hour after the treatment, as the Botox® attaches better to active muscles.
Are there any alternatives to Botox?
There are currently no real alternatives to Botox as far as medical treatments. However, for those not willing to risk the potential side effects of this procedure, a cutting-edge natural product such as those offered by Xtend-Life Skincare can be quite effective in treating wrinkles and fine lines.
The Xtend-Life line offers a natural alternative to Botox ® treatment, using organic ingredients such as Vitamin E, Babassu wax, Grapeseed Oil and Manuka Honey that work with your body to combat the underlying causes of wrinkles in order to reverse the signs of aging from the inside out.