Whether you are considering treating yourself to a round of Botox sessions now or in the near future, or else are wondering about what Botox actually is, then learning as much as you can is definitely the first step in understanding it. So, with this in mind, here is everything you need to know about Botox.
The Origins of Botox
Botox, proper name Onabotulinumtoxin A, was initially developed by a Dr Scott in the early 1970s, when the doctor was trying to find an alternative to muscle surgery for those patients who needed a method of weakening the eye muscles safely and by injection.
After several different trials, Dr Scott discovered botulinum toxin Type A and over the next fifteen years, the drug moved from an experimental one to an FDA licensed and approved drug.
The Potential Side-Effects of Botox Treatments
Now, Botox is an exceedingly popular and safe treatment procedure, but as with any remotely medical occurrence, there are always potential side effects that you should be aware of.
Thousands upon thousands of patients enjoy regular sessions of Botox throughout the years and experience little to no side effects. Still, there is always an exception to the rule, so in the interests of accurate information, the following temporary side effects are possible:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- A Temporary Drooping of the Eyelids
- Tearing or Dryness of the Eye
- Weakness in the Muscles on the Forehead
- Swelling Around the Injection
- Bruising
- Drooling From One or Both Corners of the Mouth
- Flu-Like Symptoms
Who Can Have Botox?
For those wanting to learn more about their suitability for Botox beauty treatments, it is always best to consult with your medical doctor before you confirm your decision. When you do come to book your first session, make sure you only use a professional and registered beauty clinic.
As a general rule, though, you should not have Botox injections on any part of your body if you are pregnant, have a diagnosed neurological disease, are allergic to cow’s milk or are breastfeeding your baby.
Why Have Botox?
As you will probably already know, the primary reason people of all ages and backgrounds choose Botox injections is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and across the forehead.
However, there are several more unusual and even intriguing reasons behind people’s decision to have Botox, including the following to name just a few:
- Depression: This is not FDA-approved, but some people do say that Botox injections temporarily remove the more severe signs and symptoms of depression.
- Pain During Sex: Also unapproved by the FDA, for women who often experience intensely painful muscle spasms when having sex, some opt for Botox injections in and around the area every six months or so.
- Premature Ejaculation: Men who experience regular premature ejaculation sometimes try Botox injections into the penis to relax the muscles to delay.
- Neck Spasms: Botox was first used to treat severe neck spasms in children and adults before being approved by the FDA for fine lines and wrinkles.
- Clinically Cold Hands: Not approved by the FDA, patients in hospitals across the country who have seriously and permanently cold hands due to poor circulation are sometimes given off-label Botox treatments to enlarge the blood vessels and thus alleviate the pain.
What To Expect During a Botox Injection?
Finally, it would also be helpful to know what actually happens during a Botox session.
The clinician will thoroughly clean and dry the entire area across your face and neck, and then you will be asked to tense and relax the muscles in the specific area you have asked to be treated.
Then, the botulinum toxin is injected using an exceedingly fine needle into several sites in and around the area, and you will be asked to relax and tense the same muscles for your clinician to determine whether or not further injections in the same area are required.
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