How Often Can I Get BOTOX Injections?

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The demand for cosmetic treatment for facelift and skin rejuvenation is growing. This is evident when you visit spas, outpatient clinics and malls.

BOTOX or Botulinum Toxin Injection ranks as the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment procedure in the US.

The treatment is available to men and women of different ages.

Some of the expression lines targeted during BOTOX treatment include:

Frown lines

Crow’s feet

Eyebrow lift

Horizontal forehead

Chin line

Bunny lines

Marionette lines

Radial lip lines

A firm called Allergan, Inc. owns BOTOX and other associated patents.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the US Food and Drug Administration approved the cosmetic use of BOTOX in 2002. Over a decade later, BOTOX has also been approved for the treatment of crow’s feet, overactive bladder and excessive sweating under the arms.

The other conditions include lateral orbicularis and chronic migraines.

Although tests are ongoing to test the effectiveness of BOTOX in treating depression, abnormal heartbeat, and premature ejaculation, these are yet to be approved by the FDA.

For personal safety, BOTOX should not be used on any unapproved or non-prescribed medical condition.

Some of the contraindications for Botulinum Toxin Injection according to AAFP include:

Allergy to Botulinum toxin products

Keloid scarring

Neuromuscular disorders like Myasthenia Gravis

BOTOX Injection and What to Expect

How Often Can I Get BOTOX Injections

BOTOX is a potent neurotoxin derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum.

According to NCBI, there are 7 different neurotoxins in Botulinum toxin. Out of these, only Botulinum toxin A and B are approved for clinical purposes.

BOTOX A is widely used in dermatology as a preferred cosmeceutical for reducing wrinkles and associated conditions.

Wrinkling is a natural process caused by dermal degeneration and constant tightening of the facial musculature.

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According to Columbia University Irving Treatment Center, treatment for facial wrinkles is conducted by administering a small dose of BOTOX injection on the wrinkled muscles. No anesthesia is required before injection. The BOTOX shot is very brief and painless.

When injected, BOTOX goes into action by blocking the secretion of a natural ligand called acetylcholine (ACh). This causes muscle paralysis for 24 hours to 2 weeks. The effect of the injection will last between 3 months (90 days) to 6 months (180 days) before another round of treatment. It is important to reiterate that the longevity factor will vary from one person to the other.

Other Uses of BOTOX

Botulinum toxin is a hugely beneficial cosmeceutical.

According to a Dermatology Practical & Conceptual report appearing in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website, Botulinum toxin is also approved to treat and manage the following medical conditions:

Facial flushing
Cutaneous lesions
Cervical dystonia (neck spasm)
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema)
Strabismus (lazy eye)
Chronic migraines

Facial flushing is a condition that causes redness and burning sensation.

Tests conducted using Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) suggests it can bring symptomatic relief to patients.

BOTOX causes relief by inhibiting the acetylcholine signaling pathways. Similar results have been recorded in patients suffering from hyperhidrosis, a skin condition caused by excessive secretion of the eccrine glands.

A Botulinum neurotoxin injected intradermally targets the sweat gland function by preventing the movement of neurotransmission at the nerve terminals from reaching the glands.

The other Botulinum family of drugs that have been approved for treatment include; Xeomin (incobotulinum toxin A), Dysport (abobotulinum toxin A) and Myobloc (rima botulinum toxin B).

Recent Developments on BOTOX Research

A new study by researchers at Northwestern University suggests facial exercise can speed BOTOX’s ability to reduce wrinkles.

The team asked the subjects in the study to perform facial exercises many times. The exercises included forehead motions and scowls. During the observation, BOTOX aligned to the receptors in the nerve cells and causes the muscles to relax.

The toxin acts by immobilizing the movement of hyperactive muscles.

People who do not have the patience to wait for BOTOX’s wrinkle-smoothing effect to kick in may find this study very useful.

In terms of safety, BOTOX has been clinically tested and found safe. The possible side effects are mild and include skin tightening, temporary numbness and swelling in the affected area.

Local BOTOX Treatment

Patient safety is paramount when undertaking any treatment procedure. Although BOTOX cosmetic boasts an excellent safety record and patient satisfaction, care must always be taken.

According to Dr. Richard Maloney, BOTOX expert of Naples, FL, patients seeking BOTOX treatment need to inform the plastic surgeon if they’ve received any form of Botulinum injection in the last four months.

He also advises patients to avoid taking non-prescription blood thinners, a few days before receiving a jab of BOTOX. This cautionary measure is done to curtail the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Chief surgeon, Dr. Maloney works alongside Dr. William Ross and Anurag Agarwal at the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, Florida. The center has had a huge impact on the community.

Men who have come for treatment have seen the lines around their eyes; brows and forehead even out, giving them a younger and reinvigorated look.

The hugely popular cosmetic procedure does not in any way interfere with a man’s masculinity. The treatment units needed to momentarily relax the facial muscles responsible for causing wrinkles are as follows:

Frown lines between the eyebrows – 10 to 35 units
Bunny lines at the bridge of the nose – 4 to 8 units
Forehead burrows – 10 to 35 units
Chin – 10 units
Crow’s feet - 10 to 50 units
Skin bands around the neck – 10 to 30 units

There is no recommended age for BOTOX treatment.

This means treatment can be offered to men and women looking to mollify the effects of dynamic wrinkles. For youthful patients, the treatment can help delay the emergence of wrinkles and delay them for some time longer.

So This was it for today. I hope you have found this post helpful.

Have a Good Day! 😇