People consider Botox injections one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, administering over six million injections each year. Many view the procedure as a common treatment for wrinkles and other signs of aging. But what exactly is Botox? And how does it work?
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for a drug that’s derived from Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism. These injections use a toxin called onabotulinumtoxinA to temporarily stop muscles from moving, which can help smooth wrinkles and fine lines in the skin above.
While Botox was the first drug to employ this formulation, it’s not the only one. Other brands include:
- Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
- Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxinB)
- Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA)
These brands tend to differ in terms of the type of toxin used and the dosage units, so they are not interchangeable. Ask your doctor about which formulation might be right for you.
How do Botox injections work?
Once injected the toxins in Botox block the face’s nerves to relax specific muscles. It means these muscles and the related tissues can’t move, temporarily minimizing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. So, whenever you smile or frown, these expressions are limited, which in turn alleviates the signs of aging.
FAQS
How long does Botox last?
One injection goes for three to four months. But the number of units you need will depend on the strength of your muscles.
How much does Botox cost?
The total cost of Botox depends on the number of units you need. Each unit may cost between $10 and $20. For forehead lines, you might need fifteen to twenty-five units, and for deep wrinkles, around twenty-five units. Most people repeat this procedure every three months.
Can you get Botox lip injections?
Definitely! Botox lip injections last about three months – they can get rid of wrinkles around the mouth and make lips look fuller.
