Botox is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. At a particular point in cell development, the bacteria start to produce botulinum toxin. In the 1980s, scientists discovered that, while poisonous in large amounts, botulinum toxin has incredible muscular-relaxing properties when used in extremely small doses. While originally used solely for medical ailments, the benefits of Botox have now moved into the world of cosmetic procedures, making it the household name that we all know today.
contact usHow does Botox work?
Botox works by blocking the signal from your nerves to your muscles – effectively paralyzing the muscle around the injection site. This muscular paralysis is what makes Botox so effective at treating so many ailments. If you experience excess sweating, Botox can paralyze the sweat glands; and in 2010 the FDA approved Botox for treating chronic migraines.
In treating migraines, your provider at Cherry Hills Midwifery, Obstetrics, and Gynecology injects the Botox into nerve endings where it blocks the chemicals involved in pain transmission. And, of course, the most well-known use for Botox is reducing the appearance of wrinkles, which it does by paralyzing the wrinkle-causing muscle, making it no longer able to contract as forcefully.
How long does Botox take to work and how long does Botox last?
Botox takes just minutes to administer, and there is virtually no downtime. Afterward, your technician advises you on how to get the best results from your procedure with recommendations such as not to lie down for four hours and to steer clear of facials for a couple of days.
You may start to see results within 48 hours but it can take up to a week, and you can expect first-time results to last for between three and six months. Regular Botox users find that the longer you continue treatment, the longer you can go between appointments.
To find out more about how Botox can change your life, schedule an appointment with one of Cherry Hills Midwifery, Obstetrics, and Gynecology’s experienced technicians today.