Botox: Everything You Need To Know
Botox. It’s a little word with a big reputation – and, as with any medical topic, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about it on the internet. So, we’re here to help: this is where you can get information about cosmetic or medical Botox procedures, and find answers to the most common questions about this long-proven practice. Read on to find out more!
What is Botox?
“Botox”, shortened from “botulinum toxin”, is a brand name for a certain protein that is derived from the bacteria that cause botulism (a type of food poisoning). There are different variations of this compound – Botox was the first to be commercially used, based on a variant called onobotulinumtoxinA.
What Brands of Botox Are There?
Botox is, itself, a brand name, for one particular type of the botulinum protein found in nature. This family of compounds is called neuromodulators. There are other variations of that protein used in medical and cosmetic procedures, which you can find under brand names like Dysport, Xeomin, and Nucieva.
What is Dysport? Is it different from Botox?
Dysport, Nucieva, Xeomin, and other “Botox-like” products are the brand names of other variants of the botulinum toxin. They are all slightly different in use and dosage .
They can all be used to treat and prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and deep facial furrows, by reducing the activity of underlying muscles that causes the skin to appear wrinkled.
Is Botox Safe?
Yes! However, it does depend on the person doing the treatment. As with any medical or cosmetic process, you want someone who is trained in proper technique and hygiene.
The History of Botox in Canada
Botox has been around as a treatment since the 1980s, pioneered by a Canadian dermatologist (who is still using it after more than 35 years). It has been approved by Health Canada for over two decades. Analysis of millions of patients over nearly 15 years shows that less than 1/1000 people experience adverse reactions – many of which are due to underlying conditions.
Nowadays, millions of people use Botox each year with no problems at all.
What are the Side Effects of Botox?
Common side effects are generally mild – some swelling, bruising, or redness, perhaps with some discomfort or soreness at the injection site. In extremely rare cases, some patients may experience muscle control issues, leading to trouble with focusing, blinking, or speaking. Ensuring that your injector is certified and experienced is the best way to steer clear of these potential problems.
How Much Does Botox/Dysport Cost?
These compounds are injected in amounts known as “units”, which vary depending on the procedure and area of the body involved. A general range is about 35-60 units per treatment. Each unit of Botox and Dysport costs anywhere from $8 to $18/unit depending on your providers educations, skills, the clinic you're attending, and your city.
How Botox Works
All variants of the botulinum toxin work by interrupting the transmission of muscle nerve signals. This inhibits their ability to contract, keeping them in a looser, more relaxed state. For a more in-depth breakdown, visit our blog dedicated to how Botox works.
What Does Botox Do?
From a medical perspective, Botox removes the ongoing signals for muscle contraction present in many conditions, like cerebral palsy, cervical dystonia, and others. From a cosmetic standpoint, it smooths out the lines and wrinkles caused by the dynamic contraction of the underlying muscle (though not sun damage or loss of collagen/elastin).
Pros and Cons of Botox
Botox is a quick and relatively painless process with great results that last up to 3 months. Side effects are almost always minimal and disappear rapidly – in a professional clinic, the risks are incredibly low. In addition to the cosmetic side of Botox, it can also be used for medical purposes, too.
However, Botox has downsides, too. It only lasts a few months, so costs add up, and it may take multiple attempts to reach the desired look. Some people can be allergic to the treatment (testing is important!), and like any medical procedure, there are risks of bigger side effects. But with that said, Botox is used around the world every day by millions of people without issue.
Botox for Skin
Botox is injected to areas like the forehead and glabella, targeting specific muscle groups and helping them relax. This leads to a smoother-looking appearance on the skin around the face, and the effect lasts for months.
Botox for Migraines
Chronic migraine sufferers are some of the biggest users of Botox, as injections help prevent the painful contraction of muscles that cause the headaches. They also block a certain type of nerve inflammation, which has an overall calming effect.
Botox for Hyperhidrosis
For people with excessive sweat disorders, Botox injections block the signals that activate the sweat glands. When done at certain points all along the body (underarms, extremities, chest, back, etc.), this results in less sweating and less discomfort.
Botox for Lip Flips
Botox injections can also be used here in Calgary for lip flips, a cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of the upper lip. The treatment involves injecting small amounts of Botox into the muscles around the upper lip, causing it to relax and roll slightly upward. This creates the illusion of a fuller, more defined upper lip without the need for dermal fillers. The effects of a Botox lip flip usually last for several months, and the treatment is a popular choice for those who want a subtle yet noticeable enhancement to their lips.
How Long Does Botox Take to Work?
There is no single answer for this – it depends on the area, the size of the muscles, the frequency and dosage of injections, and how often the patient has had Botox in the past. The best estimates range from a few days to a few weeks, because it’s more important to be slow and safe than to rush the process.
How Long Do Botox Results Last?
Generally, Botox lasts for about 3-4 months before a follow-up treatment is needed. It depends on each person’s specific medical needs, history, and circumstances.
Will I Need Time to Recover from Botox?
Since bruising and redness is a common side effect, we recommend about 2 weeks of recovery time in order to let that heal. So, plan ahead when you’re getting ready for vacation!
How Many Treatments of Botox Will I Need?
You will see results after just one treatment, and we will do a follow-up after two weeks to make sure you’re happy with them. After that, you will need to return every 3-4 months to maintain that appearance.