The Inside Scoop: Everything You Need to Know About Botox

by Matthew Dello Russo

Botox: Everybody’s getting it, and nobody’s really talking about it. Although cosmetic procedures are more popular than ever, many consumers are embarrassed to ask the right questions before going under the needle.

The lack of conversation around The World’s Most Popular Procedure is troublesome, and often leads to botched Botox and frozen faces. We’ve put together a guide to walk you through the process, one step at a time.

What exactly is Botox?

Botox is the trade name for the injectable drug botulinum toxin. The applications of Botox as we know it stem from studies conducted by Dr. Vernon Brooks in 1953. Brooks discovered that injecting small amounts of crystalline botulinum toxin type A into hyperactive muscles successfully blocked the release of acetylcholine from motor nerve endings, leading to temporary paralysis of the muscle.

How Does it Work?

Botox is capable of paralyzing chemical messengers that cause muscles to contract. This, in turn, eliminates wrinkles and signs of aging, like frown lines or crow’s feet.

"The injections slow muscles that contract hundreds of times a day, eventually etching lines in the skin," says New York City plastic surgeon Michael Kane, author of The Botox Book.

Botox injections can also lift skin that has started to sag with age, or soften smoker’s lines around the mouth.

How Will I React to Botox?

One reason Botox has become increasingly popular: its minimally invasive application and its low risk of side effects. Most individuals who opt into injections administered by trained professionals do not experience any adverse reactions while only around 1% of people receiving injections develop antibodies to the toxin, rendering subsequent treatments ineffective.

Will Treatment Make me Feel Frozen or Numb?

Generally speaking, no. Botox does not affect the nerves that cause sensation. When used correctly, it is a great treatment options for wrinkles or early signs of aging.

However, too much Botox can lead to undesirable results. "If too much is injected in the danger zone—the horizontal lines in the forehead—you can look Spocked, as in Spock from Star Trek," says Jean Carruthers, a Vancouver eye surgeon who coauthored the first paper on the cosmetic benefits of Botox in 1989.

How Long Will the Effects Last?

In most cases, the effects of Botox injections last approximately 3-6 months. Over the course of a year, many patients find that 3-4 applications provide the best results: no frozen faces, no loss of sensation, and no visible signs of treatment.

If you or someone you know would like more information about Botox, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!