How Long Does Botox Last?

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How long does botox last depends on how botox is injected. It can last between three to six months. First, you should know that botox is a toxin and it weakens muscles. It is extremely dangerous and just one gram of it in it’s clearest form can kill millions of people. But why do people still use it, why do doctors recommend and administer it?

Though it is a toxin, it has many benefits when used correctly and in the right doses. So, what is botox and it’s benefits. Botox is gotten from C. botulinum bacteria. These bacteria are harmless when they are in their natural state. They are found in vegetations, soil and lakes.

This bacteria become deadly when the cells start transforming and reproducing thereby forming the botulinum toxin. This botulinum toxin is used in small dose to produce botox injections.

HOW DOES THE BOTOX WORK?

Botox paralyses the muscles and nerves especially the nervous system. When taken in, it blocks the nerves from getting signals and the muscles cannot contract. This paralyse the muscles.

In order for any muscle to contract, the nerves have to release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. This chemical messenger is released at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the cells to contract, or shorten. What botox does is to stop the nerve from releasing acetylcholine and this makes the muscles become less stiff.

BENEFITS OF BOTOX 

(1) Cosmetic Uses

Botox is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face. This is the most popular use of botox. You will agree that facial care and maintainance are now rampant and everywhere. People, most times ask for the injection to be used in areas of their face like: Wrinkles between the eyebrows, called frown lines, glabellar lines, or elevensWrinkles around the eyes, known as crow’s feet Horizontal creases in the forehead Lines at the corners of the mouth

But it is advised that the injection be used only around the eyes and on the forehead. Some say botox can improve the appearance of their hair and reduce dark circles. There is no scientific evidence for these.

(2) Medical uses

For medical condition affecting the nerves and muscles ( neuromuscular system ), botox can be used to treat them.
Botox can be used to treat the following : 

  • Upper limb twitching, it should not be used if the patient is less than 2 years
  • Crossed eyes, or strabismus, for only those older than 12 years
  • Severe underarm sweating, or hyperhidrosis.
  • Treating migraine in people whose migraine headaches occur regularly and can last at least 4 hours
  • Reducing symptoms of an overactive bladder due to a neurological condition if anticholinergic medications do not help.
  • Eyelid twitching, due to dystonia.
  • Cervical dystonia that causes the head to twist in an uncomfortable position and causes neck pain.

HOW BOTOX IS USED

It is important to note that botox should not be self-administered. The injection must be recommended and given by a doctor. This is because it can be dangerous if used wrongly.

The botulinum toxin is diluted in saline before usage. It is administered just like other injections. Your doctor uses a thin needle to inject the toxins into your muscles.

The reason for the injection determines how many doses you will be given. You can also continue with your normal daily activities as the injection poses no risk. Unlike bother injections, you are not to massage or rub the injected area for at least 24 hours so as not to spread the toxin to other areas and cause complications. 

RISKS OF BOTOX INJECTION

These side effects depends on how your body responds to the release of the toxin to your muscles and nerves. The risks can be 

(1) Other neuromuscular disorders may develop.
(2) Mild pain and swelling around the injected area.
(3) There may be paralysis of other nearby muscles which are unwanted.
(4) Numbness
(5) Drooping eyelid
(6) Double vision may occur if it is used to treat crossed eyes
(7) Dry eyes
(8) Stomach upset
(9) Headache
(10) Difficulty in breathing
(11) Drooling of the face

Make sure you are not allergic to botox or the area to be injected is not infected before usage. Botox injections start working one to three days after administration.
It should not be used in pregnant women and those breastfeeding as the effects Amy affect the unborn child.

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?

The effects of botox usually last for three to six months after it is administered. The duration can vary due to reasons like: 

(1) How the botox is injected
(2) The patient’s age
(3) The positioning of the injection
(4) Sex 
(5) The muscle mass
(6) The volume of the dose injected
(7) How the toxin is diluted

If you want the effects of the botox to last for a longer time, the injection should be given by a doctor who is experienced and knows the most effective way to inject the toxin.
Also, follow all guidelines carefully to the last. This is the reason why this post “How Long Does Botox Last” is recomended for all.

CONCLUSION

In this article, we have considered ” How Long Does Botox Last”. Botox is typically used for cosmetic purposes but it can also serve medical purposes. Low that many factors can determine how long your botox will last. Botox injection is very expensive and has lots of risk. Talk to your doctor first before taking a botox injection.

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