All the Benefits of Botox

When it comes to conversations around ways to hold off or reverse the aging process, one of the most frequently mentioned tactics is the use of Botox. You’ve likely heard of it before, and probably even know someone who has had it done. But is Botox as amazing as people seem to think it is? And what exactly are the benefits? 

As a skin care company that is focused specifically on functional beauty products for aging skin, Miami Skin Institute has done plenty of research on all of the trends and options out there. Let’s talk about all of the benefits of Botox, and some of the alternatives if you decide that it isn’t right for you.

Botox 101

We want to start out with a very basic primer on what Botox is, so that you can understand it from the ground up.

First of all, Botox is the short, brand name for onabotulinumtoxinA. If you’re heard that it comes from the same bacteria that causes an infection known as botulism, you heard right! 

Researchers studied that bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, to find out exactly how it is that it attacks the nerves in the body. With that information in hand, they turned to learning how to stop it from creating weakness all over the body (while botulism starts in the face, it can spread to the rest of the body as well) and focused it just on the nerves in the face.

They were able to do that because the toxin in Botox actually blocks the nerve activity in those muscles when locally injected. With less nerve response being triggered, the muscles are able to relax. That is why Botox is so prevalent in those who are trying to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on their face. The vast majority of the fine lines and wrinkles that appear on the face do so because of lifelong activation of the muscles that are located directly under them. They may not be noticeable at first but, with repeated use, the furrows can turn into deeper grooves and eventually “permanent” wrinkles.

Keep in mind, Botox does reduce or stop the nerve response of the entire area it is injected to. That means that people who use Botox also have less ability to both feel that area of their face or emote in the same way they used to. 

What Else is Botox Used For?

In addition to being used for cosmetic purposes, Botox is also used to manage the symptoms of a variety of other health issues.

For instance, Botox can be helpful in treating a condition known as cervical dystonia. People who suffer from cervical dystonia deal with painful, often frequent neck spasms that can even cause the head to tilt, twist, or turn front, back, or to one side or the other. When injected directly in the muscles in the neck, it helps to paralyze the nerves and reduce or even completely stop spasms entirely. 

Botox can also help people who deal with excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, as well as chronic migraines, lazy eye, and overactive bladder. In addition, when monitored and ordered by a medical professional, it can safely be used in children as young as two to help treat muscle stiffness all over the body (specifically in the arms, legs, hands, and feet). It’s a very diverse product that can make a major difference in the physical health of a lot of different people, as well as being good for cosmetic improvement. 

Potential Side Effects of Botox

While Botox is mostly considered safe when administered by a medical professional, it does come with a variety of potential side effects. 

Some of those include, but are not limited to:

• -Allergic reactions (local or systemic)
• -Headache
• -Itching
• -Rash
• -Shortness of breath
• -Muscle weakness
• -Drooping of the eyelid
• -Dry mouth
• -Brow drooping
• -Eyelid swelling

There is also the possibility of a reaction at the injection site, which may involve redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or infection.

While these side effects may not happen to everyone, they are something that should be considered before undergoing the procedure. You want to walk into anything with as much knowledge as possible, so you can make the best decision for your own health and well-being. You may also want to check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions or regularly use any medication, as they may interact.

Alternatives To Botox

If needles aren’t your thing, or if you don’t want to have to worry about making an appointment with a doctor, there are other options that you can consider that can provide similar results. These products don’t address any of the physical health symptoms mentioned above, though, and should only be used by those who are wanting to treat cosmetic issues. 

Our favorite alternative is Miami MD’s Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream. When we created our cream, we designed it to help our customer’s restore firmness, volume, and elasticity to their skin. It does this by using an ingredient called Argireline. Argireline is impressive in its ability to be able to prevent the muscle movement that can cause wrinkle formation, all without having to endure painful injections or make lengthy doctor’s visits. In fact, Argireline has been referred to as a gentle version of Botox, and the results are noticeable in just a few minutes after application. 

Our Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream can also be used on the neck, which is another area that becomes the focus of age related concerns for a lot of people. This can help to tighten the skin, which naturally reduces that “turkey waddle” appearance that makes so many people self conscious. 

When added into a quality skin care routine that involves regular cleansing and moisturizing, our cream can really be that boost you need to start liking the skin you see in the mirror again, all without needing you to have to undergo facial injections. It’s an excellent alternative.

Conclusion

Miami Skin Institute believes you deserve the very best, offering both injectable and cosmetic laser treatment. From injectable botox for fillers, fat-melting, wrinkle reduction, or cosmetic laser treatment for skin tightening and texture irregularities, Dr. Jegasothy, and her team have the talent and technique to make you look revitalized in a natural and non-obvious way. Through judicious use of Cosmetic Laser treatment, neuromodulators and/or dermal fillers at the earliest onset of age-related cosmetic skin changes (especially hereditary aging issues),  one can create a natural “young look” and even delay, or circumvent, invasive surgical procedures altogether.

Sources:

https://www.drugs.com/botox.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658