Botox injections are most well known for their ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face. The drugs are also used to treat conditions such as neck spasms (cervical dystonia), excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), overactive bladders, and lazy eyes. Chronic migraines may also be prevented with Botox injections in some cases.
 
A toxin called onobotulinumtoxinA is used in Botox injections to temporarily paralyze muscles. Chemical signals from nerves, mostly those that cause muscles to contract, are blocked by Botox injections. These injections are commonly used to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead. In addition to treating conditions that affect the body’s function, Botox injections are also used for other purposes.

The substance Botox is a neurotoxin, which targets the nervous system and disrupts nerve signals that stimulate muscles to contract resulting in temporary muscle paralysis.
 
A chemical messenger called acetylcholine is released by nerve endings when muscle cells meet nerve endings in order for a muscle to contract. By attaching to receptors on muscle cells, acetylcholine causes the cells to contract, or shorten.
 
During Botox injections, acetylcholine is prevented from being released, preventing muscle contractions. Toxins reduce muscle stiffness in this way.
 
During the procedure botulinum toxin is injected directly into neuromuscular tissue, the toxin takes roughly 24 to 72 hours to take effect following Botox injections. The full effects can sometimes take up to five days to appear. Depending on the treatment, they may last for 3-12 months. Botox should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as if someone has ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Wrinkles can be either dynamic or static in nature. Botox is most effective on the former, but it can aid with the latter as well.
 
A dynamic wrinkle is caused by muscle movement, such as when you smile, laugh, or squint. Dynamic wrinkles include crow’s feet around your eyes and forehead lines. A good option for dynamic wrinkles, Botox uses botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyze or relax muscle activity. A more youthful appearance can be achieved by smoothing out wrinkles.
 
Your skin loses elasticity and collagen when it ages, or when you smoke or are exposed to the sun. Age results in thinner and drier skin and volume loss in the face changes its silhouette. For static wrinkles, some providers recommend Botox, but fillers are more effective. With fillers, you can smooth out lines and wrinkles, restore volume loss, and look more youthful. A popular filler for fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth is hyaluronic acid (Juvederm). Often, the best results are achieved with a combination of Botox and fillers.

You may find that your Botox needs are different from someone else’s. Botox doses are measured by units and how many units a patient will require depends on a variety of factors. The size and location of the treatment area, skin health, goals, and several other factors will contribute to varying costs. Victoria, BC medical aesthetic injectors typically charge $10 – $15 per Botox unit.

There are both short-term and long-term benefits to Botox. The benefits of Botox go beyond reducing wrinkles and stopping aging. The appearance of your lines can be immediately improved by Botox on a short-term basis. In the long run, Botox is capable of preventing wrinkles from getting worse which is an added benefit. Compared to surgical treatments for wrinkle removal, Botox is more cost-effective.
 
In most cases, Botox treatments last anywhere from four to six months. You can, however, have a longer time interval before needing follow-up treatments if you repeat the process over time. If you want to make sure that Botox is worth the cost and that the effects last longer, there are many things you can do.
 
Botox treatment is available at Synergy Anti-Aging Clinic in Victoria. We serve clients from Victoria, BC, Oak Bay BC, Saanich BC, Langford BC, Colwood BC, Duncan BC, Royal Oak BC, and Esquimalt BC.