Aesthetic medicine is a field that encompasses various techniques to enhance the appearance of the skin. Botox injections are listed among the practices carried out with the aim of combating skin ageing. What are the benefits and what could be the potential risks of this technique?
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Botox Injections: Benefits and Risks.
Summary
- Botox injections, in brief
- What are the benefits of botox injections?
- What could be the potential dangers of Botox injections?
Published September 27, 2022,
updated on August 28, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
Botox injections, in brief.
Previously, Botox was exclusively used in the field of conventional medicine for the treatment of certain diseases. Initially a brand, it has now become a common name.
Botox is derived from botulinum toxin. Regarded as a poison, this substance heals due to its toxicity. Botulinum toxin is known for its paralysing effects on the nerves. In the field of cosmetology, it is treated in a way that ensures its harmlessness to the body.
First authorised in 1997 and practised in France from 2003, the purpose of Botox injections is to diminish the visible wrinkles on the facial skin. A small amount of botulinum toxin is sufficient for the results to be noticeable. Injected into the skin tissues, this molecule halts the action of the neurotransmitter. The muscle subsequently weakens. No muscle contraction is observed as long as the Botox is active.
Botox injections are primarily used for visible wrinkles between the eyebrows. However, they can also be employed to smooth out crow's feet formed at the outer corner of the eye. They can also be used to erase forehead wrinkles or to perfect the contour of the lips where sadness wrinkles or bitterness folds appear.
Botox micro-injections are performed exclusively in institutes, cosmetic surgery clinics, or beauty centres with expertise in the field. Unlike hyaluronic acid injections, botox injections do not provide instant results. These results gradually appear between 3 and 7 days following the procedure.
What are the benefits of botox injections?
These injections can offer several benefits.
Simple, quick and almost painless interventions
Botox injections require very fine needles, and can be performed without local anaesthesia. This is truly bearable, especially since the injections are very quick.
Long-term effects
An botox injection provides visible effects over a period of 4 to 8 months. Therefore, it is not necessary to schedule numerous appointments at regular intervals.
An affordable luxury
This concept is, of course, relative depending on each individual's budget. Compared to other aesthetic treatments, botox injections are simply better value for money.
What could be the potential dangers of Botox injections?
Botox injections generally do not present major risks. However, it is recommended to entrust the procedure to a competent practitioner. This helps to avoid errors in dosage and handling that can lead, in the most severe cases, to facial paralysis.
Some side effects may also occur following a Botox injection. These include, among others, a protein allergic reaction, pain, headaches or skin and/or oral dryness. It is also possible to observe a change in facial expression, drooping of an eyelid or muscle weakness. These after-effects are quite rare and only occur in the event of an error related to the administration of the injections.
It is important to know that Botox injections are not recommended for pregnant women and individuals prone to Myasthenia.
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