You Know Botox, But Do You Really Know Botox?
Botox has become so popular in the United States and worldwide that it’s easy to think it has been around forever. While Botox has been used for decades to address other issues, such as involuntary eyelid spasms, it wasn’t approved by the FDA for cosmetic use until 2002.
It’s amazing how popular this injectable has become in just 13 years. Year in and year out, Botox is the single most popular cosmetic treatment worldwide.
But do you know how Botox works? Dr. Kayastha likes his patients to be as educated as possible about the aesthetic world, so here’s some info about Botox.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin. However, scientists discovered decades ago that the botulinum toxin type A, when injected into a muscle in tiny amounts, can paralyze that muscle for a certain period of time. Botox has been used for decades to stop involuntary eyelid spasms, some TMJ muscle issues, and even migraine headaches. But the roof blew off when the FDA approved it for cosmetic use in 2002.
Why? Creases and wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions when we perform day-to-day actions such as smiling or frowning. These wrinkles are called “dynamic” wrinkles. Botox blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscle, so the injected muscle can’t contract. When those muscles that create crow’s feet and forehead creases don’t contract, the wrinkles don’t form. When they don’t develop, the patient looks years, sometimes decades, younger. Botox became an overnight cosmetic sensation, and for good reason, because its results are accurate and consistent.
How Long do Botox Results Last?
The body eventually absorbs the now-harmless Botox in about four to six months. At that point, the muscles in question will contract again, and the wrinkles will return. To maintain your results, another Botox session is needed.
What Occurs Following a Botox Treatment?
A Botox session at K Plastic Surgery takes just a few minutes. There is no downtime, although there may be some slight swelling and redness at the injection sites. Patients also need to avoid rubbing the injected areas for 12 hours, as that can cause the Botox to migrate to unwanted spots. Results usually take from three to seven days to fully show themselves.
If you aren’t one of the millions of people who use Botox, you may want to make an appointment with K Plastic Surgery to give it a shot, literally! Contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Kayastha, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon located in Albany, NY.
Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.