Here’s Exactly What Happens To Your Body When You Get Botox

Wrinkles are perhaps one of the most dreaded physical add-ons that come with aging, and are ultimately inevitable. Everybody gets them, and when they come, they’re here to stay. Botox is a procedure that can reduce and resist this particular effect of aging, but it’s also a daunting and unsure one. So what exactly happens when you get botox? Let’s dive right in.

Botox Is A Drug Made from Neurotoxin

Sounds scary? but if it’s administered by a licensed professional, it’s completely safe. Neurotoxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum called botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is used frequently as a therapeutic protein amongst dermatologists, and various different factors including frequency of treatment and clinical conditions are taken into account. It is very unlikely that it can be administered improperly, but some "botulism-like symptoms" include muscle weakness, trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing, bladder control issues and vision problems.

Before Injection

Before you receive your injection, your doctor will dilute it with saline in order to make the powder into an injectable. This dilution also eliminates any of its toxic or harmful capabilities. Once injected, it moves from your dermis into the targeted muscle, and the synapses are blocked. If your brain was to signal for your body to move that muscle, it wouldn’t be able to, because the Botox keeps it from moving. The muscle can’t contract or move at all, and the wrinkles loosen and alleviate, which also prevents new wrinkles from developing. The effects of the injection remain in the desired area, and don’t venture around your body.

The body has two different nerves, one that makes motion and another that gives feeling. Botox only blocks one of them, so you will be able to feel yourself if you were to touch the area.

Because the Botox is diluted with saline, swelling can occur soon after the procedure. However, it disappears in the hours following the procedure, and any regular daily activities won’t be disrupted. In a less likely situation, you could experience bruising. If the injection goes too deep, it can touch a blood vessel and bruise. The key to avoiding this is being picky with who your doctor is, and ensuring that they are experienced and well versed in the procedure. If bruising does occur, not touching, rubbing or massaging the area is essential in ensuring that the toxin doesn’t migrate to other parts of your body.

Results from Botox

The results from your procedure can be expected within the next week. With the muscle now inactive, it won’t be pulling on skin and creating wrinkles or creases. It can also prevent the formation of future wrinkles or present ones deepening, if the muscle became inactive before it pulled skin.

Eventually, the protein stops carrying out its function, and is broken down in amino acids that are recycled. The smaller the muscle, the longer the effects of the procedure remain for. If you intend to proceed with regular treatments, you’ll need to be getting them every four months, and your body won’t gain tolerance or become adapted to it either.

While Botox is popularly associated with removing wrinkles and lines, it also has other advantages. Its method of blocking the synapse can treat migraines, muscular disorders, muscle stiffness & spasms, and even loss of bladder control. Botox can also block glands in a similar manner it does to nerves, and can be used to treat excessive sweating. Doctors have even been administering it to treat cerebral palsy! The effects of Botox are ground breaking, and offers change to the relationship between the medical and cosmetic field.

While Botox appears intimidating, it’s a safe procedure that can do more than you had ever dreamed of.