Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, with over six million injections being administered yearly. The procedure is often hailed 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 is dependent on the number of units you need. Each may go for $10 to $20, and for the forehead lines, you may need fifteen to twenty-five units, and for deep wrinkles, you may need twenty-five units. This procedure usually needs to be repeated 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.