Botox and dermal fillers are the top two most sought-after non-surgical cosmetic procedures to reduce the signs of aging. According to the Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, 4.4 million Botox injections and 3.4 million dermal filler injections were administered in 2020.

While both treatments are designed to improve the skin’s overall appearance, they work in different ways and are used to treat different types of wrinkles. Understanding the differences between Botox and dermal fillers can help you choose the right procedure for your needs.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Botox vs. dermal fillers, including how they work, what they are used for, and the potential side effects of each treatment.

What is Botox?

Botox or botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause these visible signs of aging in the face.

A purified form of the botulinum toxin is injected into specific facial muscles to prevent them from contracting, leading to a smoother, more youthful appearance.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore youthfulness by adding volume and plumpness to the face. They are made from a variety of substances, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, and calcium hydroxylapatite.

Dermal fillers are commonly used to treat and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the cheeks, lips, and under-eye area.

Comparing Botox vs. Dermal Fillers

Botox and dermal fillers are minimally invasive cosmetic treatments that reduce facial wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. Understanding the differences between these two procedures can help you achieve your desired outcomes.

Uses and Target Areas

Botox and fillers have different mechanisms of action and target different areas of the face. Botox works by blocking the signals from the facial nerves to the muscles, preventing them from contracting. This temporary paralysis smooths out wrinkles and is commonly used to treat forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. On the other hand, dermal fillers work by adding volume to the face and filling in wrinkles and fine lines. They are typically applied to the cheeks, lips, and eyelids.

Efficacy and Results

While both cosmetic procedures effectively reduce visible signs of aging in the face, they differ in the time it takes to see results. Furthermore, the effectiveness and final result of the treatment may depend on factors such as your age, skin type, and the depth of the wrinkles or lines you’re trying to treat. The effects of Botox typically become noticeable 3-7 days after the procedure. In contrast, the results of dermal fillers are often visible immediately or within a few days of the treatment.

Duration of Effects

Botox typically lasts 3 to 6 months, while dermal fillers can last from 6 months to 2 years, but this can vary from one person to another. The longevity of the effects of your treatment may be affected by several variables, such as the product used, the area being treated area, your metabolism, and your daily routine and lifestyle habits.

Cost of Procedure

Generally, the cost of dermal fillers is higher than Botox due to the amount of product required and the complexity of the procedure. For botox, the typical cost of treatment is around $300-$500 per area treated, while dermal fillers can range from $600-$1,500 per area treated. The price may be higher or lower depending on the treatment and the amount of product needed. Moreover, the location and reputation of the clinic can greatly influence the cost of your procedure. Remember that choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner who uses high-quality products will guarantee the best results and reduce the risk of side effects.

What to Expect

Feeling anxious or nervous before undergoing cosmetic surgery is normal, but being prepared will help ease your worries. The process for both cosmetic procedures is quite similar. Before starting the treatment, the practitioner examines your face and then cleans and numbs the treatment area. For Botox, the practitioner will inject small amounts of the toxin into the targeted muscles using a fine needle. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. You may experience mild swelling or bruising after, but these should resolve within a few days.
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to add volume to the targeted area. The injection process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the area or areas being treated. Afterward, you may experience some swelling or bruising, but this should also subside within a few days.

Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: Which is Better?

Both Botox and fillers are effective cosmetic procedures for reducing signs of aging. However, each treatment has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Botox reduces dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. It is also less expensive than dermal fillers, making it a more affordable option for many people. Conversely, dermal fillers are excellent for adding volume to the cheeks, lips, and under-eye area, with immediate results. Ultimately, choosing Botox and dermal fillers depends on your goals and concerns. Consult a qualified practitioner to determine which treatment is right for you.

About the Author

Brynn specializes in social media production and management at Laser Remedy Skin Solutions as well as internal marketing to ensure our clients are receiving the best of the best! She has always had a passion for skin care and is passionate about creating the best experience both virtually and physically for our clients.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can cause severe headaches, earaches, jaw clicking, and difficulty chewing. These painful afflictions lead to many sufferers seeking different treatment methods in the hope of some relief.

In recent years, Botox has been touted as a treatment method, with some giving it the status of a miraculous cure-all. There’s no denying that it can offer relief, but if you’re considering using it for that reason, there are a few things you should know.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The TMJ consists of the various structures that connect the lower and upper jaw. The structures, including joints, tendons, and muscles, play an important role in chewing. Most of the TMJ pain you feel originates within them when they’re affected by temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

There doesn’t seem to be a singular cause of TMD; instead, it appears to be brought on by factors such as grinding your teeth, stress, and hormonal changes.

Botox for TMJ

Botox, which contains botulinum toxin type A, is usually used to tighten the skin. It softens the look of frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet by causing mild paralysis of the muscles it’s injected into. When used to treat the pain caused by TMD, it paralyzes various jaw muscles, which can reduce the symptoms.

The masseter muscles are those most common target points for injections. They connect the cheekbone and lower jaw, and they’re vital for chewing food. When the correct dosage of Botox is used, it stops them from being overworked, such as through grinding teeth. It does this by relaxing the muscles where you feel TMJ pain.

Potential Complications Of Botox For TMJ

Speaking to an ELLE journalist about the use of Botox to treat TMJ, Dr. Nancy Samolitis of Facile Dermatology and Boutique in Los Angeles warned potential users of potential complications. She also recommended that they find an experienced provider with a good reputation for administering the injections.

According to Dr. Samolitis, one reason it’s important to approach an experienced provider is because anything less than an excellent understanding of facial anatomy can lead to unpleasant complications. If the provider injects the wrong muscles, such as those used when smiling, it may not do much to alleviate TMD symptoms, and it could prevent you from smiling for several months.

Dr. Samolitis explained that paralyzing the wrong muscles could happen on only one side of the face, which would result in a crooked smile, rather than the inability to smile. Furthermore, there’s no way to correct the injection of Botox into the wrong muscles.

The only solution is to wait for the effects of the toxin to wear off. Besides the possibility of losing your ability to smile due to the provider’s unfamiliarity with facial muscles, there are several other possible complications of using the toxin to treat TMJ. Among them are the loss of facial volume, the temporary nature of the treatment, the development of antibodies after repeated treatments, and the atrophying of facial muscles.

Loss Of Facial Volume

When the masseter muscles are relaxed using Botox as a treatment for TMJ pain, they make the jaw look slimmer. While there are some people who opt for the treatment for this very reason, Dr. Samolitis cautioned that it can cause issues later.

One of the earlier potential complications is that, if those muscles are not overdeveloped, their relaxation can lead to the loss of facial volume and jawline definition. Although this isn’t too much of a problem in younger people, if you’re older, you may find much more loose skin than you bargained for.

If you are concerned about your appearance, you would need to budget for supplementary Botox or temporary filler treatments. Once the Botox wears off and the masseter muscles are exercised again, your original jawline definition should be restored. This, along with the following potential complications, highlight the reasons traditional TMD treatments and the more advanced options such as JawTrac, which aims to find the best position for your jaw, may be a better option.

Immune Response And Muscle Atrophy

According to Dr. Daniel M. Laskin of the TMJ Association, the repeated use of Botox to treat the symptoms of TMD can lead to the development of an immune response. The antibodies your body may produce could render the treatment useless by blocking the toxin’s muscle paralyzing action.

Even if your body’s response isn’t that extreme, you would more than likely require stronger and stronger doses of Botox to achieve the same effect. The sites that are injected may experience swelling or bruising, and may become painful. Additionally, you could develop headaches as a result of Botox use, despite the fact that it’s also used to treat migraine symptoms.

Dr. Laskin wrote that he was also concerned about the possible development of disuse atrophy in people who use Botox to treat TMJ symptoms. Although he had not seen it in any patients, the condition was evident in people who used injections of the toxin into the temporalis muscle to treat headaches. He explained that the disuse of muscles can lead to the loss or wasting away of tissue, which may result in disfigurement. Dr. Laskin’s biggest concern, however, is that Botox only treats the symptoms, and not the cause; an approach that he described as illogical.

Dr. Samolitis pointed out other reasons Botox may not be the best option if you’re looking for relief from TMJ pain. It won’t make any difference to jaws or joints that click, move, crack, or pop, which means you will need to find alternative treatments.

Alternatives To Botox

Botox is not a lasting solution for treating TMD. So, rather than growing increasingly frustrated with its use over time, it may be better to seek other treatments.

Some of the most common methods include medication, wearing a night guard to reduce the effect of teeth grinding, dietary changes, physical therapy, exercise, and hot and cold applications. Treatments that realigned the jaw have also proven to have had an effect, and for many a combination of options results in ongoing relief.

Botox is the go-to anti-aging solution for millions of women each year. In addition to keeping the face smooth and wrinkle-free, Botox is also given to eliminate the foot pain associated with wearing high heels. However, now it’s increasingly being administered in the hands to combat the effects of sweatiness caused by hyperhidrosis. But with between 50 and 100 units of Botox needing to be injected into each hand, is it safe and does it work?

Understanding excessive hand sweating

2.8% of U.S citizens have hyperhidrosis, according to Science Daily. When you have hyperhidrosis, it’s common for excess sweat to occur all over the body, and its the hands which are frequently affected. As your hands are almost always on show and are continually used throughout the day, more and more individuals are using Botox to keep their hand sweating under control.

How hand Botox works

Before Botox is administered into your hands, the surgeon will spend some time numbing your hands so that the whole process is as comfortable as possible for you. Once you’re both happy with the sensation in your hands, the Botox injections will be placed under the skin. The procedure usually takes no longer than half an hour. From there, the Botox will start to work its magic. This includes stopping the chemicals that work with the sweat glands from reaching them. In just a matter of days, the sweaty hands that you’re used to will start to feel better and within a fortnight, sweating will be reduced to the bare minimum.

Sadly, Botox is not a permanent fix for sweaty palms. While facial Botox usually yields results for at least 12 months, individuals who have Botox in their hands will typically experience just six months of reprieve from sweating. To continue to benefit, you’ll need to regularly have Botox top-ups, and of course, have the funds to cover the cost of it. But, the good news is that research has revealed that Botox can make hand sweating better by an impressive 80 to 90%. So, it’s an attractive prospect for those who battle the condition every single day.

The risks of hand Botox

Like all surgical beauty treatments, hand Botox does come with some risk. Following your treatment, you may experience bruising, loss of movement, and difficulties gripping. The American Medical Association also details the case of a teenager who temporarily lost the use of her thumbs following 30 Botox injections into her hands.

Something else to be cautious of is the fact that hand Botox isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for hyperhidrosis. Doctors, surgeons, and aestheticians are, therefore, administering it ‘off-label’. It is perfectly legal for these clinicians to do this as Botox is FDA approved. However, there are not enough studies or analysis into the short and long-term impacts that Botox has on the hands, which is why the FDA has not yet given it its seal of approval.

When you’ve got sweaty hands due to hyperhidrosis, it’s tempting to resort to Botox to resolve your condition. This is especially the case when excessive hand sweating is causing you embarrassment or is impacting your daily life. However, it’s essential you weigh up the pros and cons of this treatment before booking in for Botox shots as they’re not for everyone. To learn more about the pros and cons, find a doctor in Dubai and seek their guidance.

Botox was the most common non-invasive beauty procedure carried out in the U.S in 2017. Latest figures from the ASPS reveal that 7.23 million Botox treatments were administered, a jump of 2% compared to the year before. With Botox costing as much as $1,200 per session, individuals are seeking out ways to keep the cost of their treatments as low as possible. And while this is understandable, there are some things you should make sure you avoid.

Overseas treatments

It’s not known how many individuals head abroad to get Botox treatments, but it’s safe to say that a of people lot do. Spain is a particularly attractive location when you want to get Botox as, along with being able to enjoy the hot temperatures, you can benefit from low-cost Botox shots. However, many of the companies offering these treatments are operating illegally, and this means your health is at risk. Similar operations exist outside of the EU too, such as in Thailand. It’s, therefore, essential that you do your homework before having Botox overseas. For optimum reassurance and safety, it’s best to avoid overseas treatments altogether and opt for the safety of botulinum toxin injections administered on home soil.

Bargain Botox injections

In recent months, some high street stores have announced plans to sell low-cost Botox. When Botox is priced so low that it sounds too good to be true, you should ask yourself where the injectable comes from. Physicians in America should only administer drugs that come from the U.S. In most cases, it is against the law for them to import Botox which is manufactured in other countries. However, some do as it keeps prices lower. You also need to consider what other ingredients these products contain. In 2017, Australia seized a number of illegally imported beauty products, including botulinum toxin injections, and some were found to contain human placenta.

Untrained physicians

With Botox being so readily available on the high street and in health spas, you would assume that the person injecting it has all the qualifications and licenses needed to carry out the procedure. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Y. Maman states that only board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons or ENT surgeons should be injecting the public with Botox as they’ll understand the person’s anatomy better than anyone else. Furthermore, should any complications arise, they’ll know how to handle them effectively and efficiently. However, as botulinum toxin injections can be bought by anyone with a medical degree, they are increasingly being administered by nurse practitioners and other non-board-certified physicians.

Medication & specialist skin care products

A common side effect of Botox is bruising in and around the injected sites. To limit the severity of this bruising, you should steer clear of all blood thinners at least a week before you have Botox. This means saying no to a whole host of medications, supplements, and even skin care products. For this reason, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs should be avoided.

You’ll also need to stay away from supplements which contain vitamins A and E, fish oil, cod liver oil, and flax oil, among others. Products containing active skin ingredients also need to be ditched for a week. So be prepared to put your powerful vitamin A retinoids down and to go au naturel for a few days.

Ditch your makeup

For best results, you shouldn’t wear makeup during your Botox appointment. Similarly, once you’ve had Botox, you must not wear makeup for at least four hours. This is because using brushes, sponges, and products on your skin increases the likelihood of the Botox being transferred to other muscles in your face. As a result, the Botox will target muscles you don’t want it to and it will impact your overall results. Therefore, if the thought of parading around without your warpaint on concerns you, it might be best to consider a non-injectable anti-aging alternative, such as serums and creams.

An increasing number of individuals are turning to Botox. But, before you jump onboard this latest cosmetic trend, it’s crucial that you’re aware of the things to avoid when having a Botox treatment.

38 million Americans experience migraines, according to Migraine.com. Of these 38 million, between two and three million are believed to have chronic migraines. This is where a headache occurs for 15 days or more every month. Therefore, it is no surprise that 91% of people who have migraines say that they miss work or are unable to function at work as a result of their condition.

But, those with chronic migraines may soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief, as new research has found that Botox injections in the forehead can significantly improve how frequently the headaches occur.

FDA approval

In October 2010, the FDA approved the use of botulinum toxin, or Botox, as a form of treatment for chronic migraines. This approval still stands today, and has yet to be extended to individuals who experience less frequent migraines. This is because there is no evidence to support the idea that Botox has a positive impact on people who have fewer than 15 headaches a month, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

“The more frequent the headaches, the better the patient does with Botox,” says Dr. Andrew Blumenfeld, the director of The Headache Center of Southern California.

How does medical Botox differ?

The Botox used to treat chronic migraines is no different to the Botox used in the 1.5 million cosmetic Botox treatments carried out every year. The only noticeable deviations in the procedures are that a higher number of shots are administered when it’s used for medical purposes, and shots will typically be injected in the neck and shoulders, as well as the head.

Other than that, patients will experience the same advantages that cosmetic Botox patients do. This includes the Botox injections relaxing the muscles, and blocking the signals between the nerves and the muscles. Furthermore, the aesthetic benefits of Botox, such as smoother skin, are experienced, too.

Positive results

In a new study reported in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery medical journal, researchers reviewed data from 17 studies that included a total of 3,646 patients. 43% of the patients in the studies had chronic migraines.

Following Botox treatment once a month for three to four months, researchers concluded that the individuals who had chronic migraines experienced 1.6 fewer migraines every month than those who had a placebo injected into their forehead.

Another significant finding from the research was that migraine patients who were treated with Botox reported an improvement in their quality of life. “It can be explained by the reduced impact of headaches and migraine-related disability, thus reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety,” states Prof. Chaput and his fellow co-authors.

The side effects

Although the results from this new study are promising, it is important to note that side effects were experienced by the chronic migraine patients who had Botox injections. Muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, muscle tightness, neck pain, and double vision were all reported.

It’s also worth noting that the long-term side effects of using Botox to treat chronic migraines are largely undocumented. As a result, it’s not currently known how long it is safe to use Botox to treat chronic migraines for.

Previous evidence of support

The Migraine Trust reports that earlier PREEMPT trials show greater advantages for individuals who experience chronic migraines than this latest research.

In a study of 1384 patients, where the average patient faced 20 headaches per month, Botox injections reduced the number of headaches per month by eight days, after two cycles of treatment. This increased to 70% of participants having 50% fewer headaches a month, after 12 months of treatment.

In addition, no significant or irreversible side effects were reported in the study. Therefore, the short-term side-effects that come with Botox injections may be worth it if it means individuals don’t have to miss family and social events, take time off work, or spend days in bed recovering.

Chronic migraines affect the lives of millions of Americans. These individuals are sure to be pleased that new research has confirmed that Botox injections provide relief and fewer headache days when used to treat the condition. However, as with all medical procedures, you should ensure you do your research first, and understand the potential risks associated with Botox.

Maple trees are commonly associated with the syrup created from their sap, but researchers are now suggesting that a different part of the tree might be even more useful. You can find the full extent of their findings from the meeting of the American Chemical Society on August 20, 2018. But in short, the findings suggest that extracts from the maple leaves could inhibit the elasticity of skin, which could induce tightening of the skin similar to Botox without any dangerous injections.

It may improve skin elasticity

The focus of the research was on elastase, a protein in the skin that breaks down the elastic part of the skin over time. As your skin becomes less elastic, it loses the ability to pull back into place, much like an old rubber band that loses its ability to snap back. Maple leaf extract stops elastase from weakening the elasticity of your skin so that it can better resist the pull of gravity, rubbing, and other outside forces that exert influence on your skin and slowly cause wrinkles.

The study focused on glucitol-core-containing gallotannins (GCGs), a particular compound in the leaves. GCGs are phenolic compounds containing multiple galloyl groups. Galloyl groups are shown to reduce the influence of elastase but are even more effective when combined. Maple leaf extract has an especially high concentration of different galloyl compounds, making it a powerful and natural source of these compounds that may prevent wrinkling.

It may treat skin in multiple ways

This wasn’t the only work the team had put into maple leaf extract and its influence on the skin, however. Used in different tests, they also surmised that it could reduce dark patches or discoloration in the skin. It also exhibited what they concluded was anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it could reduce swelling and redness in the skin. As a result of these two things, maple leaf extract could fight wrinkles and reduce freckles and skin damage at the same time.

It is safer than previous treatments

One of the key points of interest in this is that maple leaf extract can reduce the stretchiness of skin, and unlike its competition, it is a relatively safe and completely natural alternative. The closest challenger in the field of anti-aging in this manner is botox. Botox relies on injecting dangerous and possibly lethal bacteria just beneath the surface, however, while maple extract would be applied directly to the skin, likely as an oil or in a compress of some kind.

This makes maple leaf extract the front-runner in fighting wrinkles for eco-friendly or green-minded users. It offers them a conscientious alternative, while any skin enthusiasts will appreciate that it doesn’t have the glaring and inherent risks that botox can. Maple allergies do exist, though allergies to maple pollen, extract, and syrup is all different because they involve different parts of the tree. Still, they are uncommon and vastly safer than the current alternative.

Source of inspiration

The idea for maple leaf extract as an anti-aging chemical came from observations of its use by Native Americans, the team claims. According to Navindra P. Seeram, Ph.D., ” Native Americans used leaves from red maple trees in their traditional system of medicine, so why should we ignore the leaves?” They immediately noted that unlike modern U.S. culture, which only utilized the sap of red maple, Native Americans had a variety of medicinal uses for the tree.

Upon comparing its local use and their own research, Hang Ma, Ph.D. noted: “We wanted to see whether leaf extracts from red maple trees could block the activity of elastase.” As previously noted, they’d observed the extract’s usefulness removing dark patches and redness, so they felt it was the next logical step. Whether the team had an inkling of its uses in anti-aging before noticing its use in Native American medicine or not, of course, is up to speculation.

The treatment caters to a different market

Many modern beauty treatments and their botanical products come from China, India, and what the U.S. would consider exotic source nations. The interesting thing about red maple and most of the maple plants discussed in the research is that they all exist primarily in the United States. This could make them more available in western markets and may influence just how quickly maple extract is added to cosmetic products.

For the time being the researchers have already sought a patent for Maplifa, which is a particular combination of maple sap, and extract from fall and summer leaves. Though the exact ratio of ingredients necessary for the best results may not be finalized yet, they’ve insisted their patent exists so they can market the formula through Verdure Sciences, which will raise awareness of their findings and show the extract’s effectiveness as either a cosmetic or dietary supplement.

Preliminary testing shows that maple leaf extract may not only reduce wrinkling, it may also remove dark spots and reduce inflammation. These are all anti-aging effects and may help to improve your skin’s health and long-term beauty. Maple leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, but the extract is only entering the cosmetic market now and may serve as a vastly safer alternative to Botox treatments while providing a nearly identical effect.

Sources:
1. Maple Leaf Botox Could Prevent Wrinkles, Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322820.php

2. Cosmetic applications of glucitol core containing gallotannins…, SlideHeaven, https://slideheaven.com/cosmetic-applications-of-glucitol-core-containing-gallotannins-from-a-proprietar.html

3. A Maple Leaf to Prevent Wrinkles, Mercola,

https://unsplash.com/photos/CoQJXdxvmJg

Getting shots of Botox has become a mainstay of a majority of Americans’ personal care habits and the treatment is more popular than it ever was. In the latest data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it was revealed that more than 7.2 million Americans had Botox shots in 2017, and the treatment ranked as the top cosmetic minimally-invasive procedure among females.

As getting injections of the toxin has gone mainstream, more people have started to trust in the power of this treatment to maintain one’s youthful looks for as long as possible. But while it can certainly address problems ranging from crow’s feet to excessive sweating, will it cause health problems in the long run? Here are the long-term side effects of Botox that you need to be aware of, and you should always get consultations from some of the Top Doctor in UAE before going for the facelift on “face value.”

Allergic reactions

After getting a shot of Botox, some people experience difficulty in breathing, and most think that this is a normal side effect that goes away after a few days. However, if you’ve been getting regular Botox shots and you always experience this problem, then you may be allergic to the toxin. As Botox is derived from the same bacteria as botulism, there is a risk of having an allergic reaction to the ingredients used to make the injectable. Dr. Dennis Gross, who created Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, told TODAY that some reactions that were reported “include itching, rash, welts, asthma symptoms, or feeling faint.”

Permanent paralysis of the muscle

Botox stops the signs of aging by paralyzing the muscles in the injection site so that they don’t change or age. A well-placed shot of Botox can give one a fresh, natural look, but too much of the toxin can lead to the “frozen” look as seen on some Hollywood celebrities. The good news is that it wears off after a few months, so your face can be as expressive as it once was. However, repeated injections to a particular part of the face or body can lead to permanent muscle paralysis.

Take the case of former permanent makeup artist Belinda Hayle. The UK artist who was known as “The Brow Queen” of Towie started getting biannual Botox injections at the age of 35. After 10 years of treatment, one Botox shot felt different than the others and Hayle started experiencing flu-like symptoms and had facial paralysis. After a week, things returned to normal and the Towie native thought that she was cured. But after 10 days, she felt ill again and when she was taken to the specialist, Hayle was told that she had the worst case of botulism that the doctor has ever seen.

“I’ve been left with permanent facial paralysis,” said Hayle to The Sun, adding that she had special mouth guards fitted to help her swallow. She also revealed that her speech has been affected and that she is constantly in pain.

Toxins spreading to other parts of the body

A study has found that Botox can travel from the injection site to other parts of the body. In the research, which was spearheaded by Edwin Chapman, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin, it was proven how the toxin could spread further than the targeted muscle.

“Every time one fraction of the toxin acts locally (on the first nerve cell it contacts), another fraction acts at a distance,” said Chapman to the Daily Mail. “It’s unknown how far they travel, which likely depends on the dose of toxin and other factors.”

If the toxin spreads, it is possible that patients may experience paralysis in other parts of the body.

Is it possible to prevent these long-term side effects?

While the long-term side effects of Botox can be worrying, there are several ways to lessen the risks or prevent them altogether. One way is to make sure that whoever administers the Botox shot is a medical professional. It’s also important to be open with your practitioner about any health problems or medications that you are currently taking. Lastly, seek immediate medical attention if you feel any side effects after getting a Botox shot. Though a headache or dizziness may not seem serious enough to warrant a visit to your doctor, having a checkup may help prevent the onset of long-term side effects that could affect your overall health.

Resources & Further Reading:

1. 2017 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, Plasticsurgery.org, https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2017/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2017.pdf

2. There’s a black market for Botox & other things to know before getting injected, TODAY, https://www.today.com/style/botox-dangers-what-know-avoid-I538748

3. Botox: Hollywood’s Most Frozen Faces, Shape Magazine, https://www.shape.com/celebrities/celebrity-photos/botox-hollywoods-most-frozen-faces

4. Botched Horror, The Sun, https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/6782341/towie-beauty-guru-in-worst-case-of-botox-poisoning-ever-seen/

5. Paralyzing toxins in Botox ‘DO spread to other parts of your body’: Landmark study reveals alarming dangers of anti-ageing jabs, The Daily Mail, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3729804/Paralyzing-toxins-Botox-spread-parts-body-Landmark-study-reveals-alarming-dangers-anti-ageing-jabs.html

https://unsplash.com/photos/ZOT2Mewzmh8
https://unsplash.com/photos/59Td06omPVc

How Does Botox Work?

Botox is not only the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment in the world, but has medicinal qualities as well. Botox is a toxin that was named in 1870 after the Latin word for sausage because doctors noticed that people became ill after eating undercooked sausage. It took over 70 more years before physicians learned that this toxin works by paralyzing muscles and then another decade or so before researchers discovered that the toxin’s muscle paralyzing abilities might be useful. Still, there are a lot of people who don’t know exactly how Botox injections work. Here’s how Botox performs its magic:

How Botox Works

Botox is a purified form of the botulinum toxin, which is one of the most poisonous substances known to humankind. When the toxin is ingested or injected, it blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that sends messages between nerve cells. When the toxin is introduced into the body, a nerve that uses acetylcholine takes up the toxin into a tiny structure found in the nerve cell called a vesicle. This moves into the cell and becomes acidic, which makes the toxin push through the vesicle and into the jelly-like material of the cell called cytoplasm. There, the toxin binds to complex proteins and stops the acetylcholine from transmitting signals. This process causes muscle paralysis. Yet, dermatologists, medical professionals, and researchers have learned to put this potentially deadly action to good use.

Uses of Botox

Botox is perhaps most famous for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially crow’s feet and lines around the lips and forehead. It does this by paralyzing the muscles beneath them and causing them to smooth out. Botox also softens the appearance of sun damage. Another benefit of Botox is that the wrinkle or line is never as deep as it was before the treatment, even if the patient doesn’t return for touch-up treatments. Scientists believe this is because Botox “teaches” the muscle to stay relaxed.

A person who administers Botox needs to be highly skilled and have knowledge of over three dozen muscles in the face and what they do. During cosmetic treatment, the patient’s face is cleaned, the treatment area is numbed, and the Botox is administered through a fine needle. More than one syringe may need to be used depending on the depth of the wrinkle. A session usually lasts about a half an hour and is an outpatient procedure. There is some bruising and swelling afterwards, but this can be soothed with an ice pack or a cold pack and goes away within a few days. The patient must be careful not to rub or massage the area, for this can cause the Botox to spread to other areas, which can lead to complications.

Patients notice the improvement in their looks after a couple of weeks and these benefits can last for as long as six months. Rarely, Botox does not affect a patient because they have already been exposed to the toxin and have built up a resistance to it.

Medical Uses of Botox

Botulinin toxin was used to treat medical conditions many years before it was used as a cosmetic treatment. In the 1980s, a strain of botulinin toxin began to be used to treat crossed eyes and spasms of the eyelids and face in children. As the years went on, the botulinin toxin was used to treat cervical dystonia, or painful neck spasms and hyperhidrosis, where a person suffers from excessive sweating. Botulinin toxin also eases spasms in the vocal cords that interfere with speech.

Botox is injected into the scalp to treat chronic migraine headaches and is being studied to see if it can help with other kinds of chronic pain. Other medical uses include treating adults who’ve undergone traumatic brain injury and now suffer from spastic muscles in their fingers, wrists and elbows. Spasticity is a condition where the muscles stay contracted, which makes them stiff and difficult or painful to move properly. Botox is also used to treat this condition in multiple sclerosis and stroke patients.

It’s also used to treat:

• Spasticity in the legs and the arms.
• Urinary incontinence in people with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries.
• Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. In this treatment, Botox is used to correct the backup of digestive juices and bile in the ducts caused by the spasming of the sphincter.
• Spasming of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can interfere with the ability to eat. Botox also helps with spasms of the jaw.
• Esotropia, a condition of babies where one eye or both eyes turn inward.
• Depression. Botox injections in the muscles of the face responsible for conveying emotion can ease the depression of some patients. The way the muscles are configured sends signals to the brain and cause it to reinforce the emotions the muscles are expressing.

Botox was finally approved by the Canadian government for cosmetic use in 2001 and approved for a variety of cosmetic and medical uses by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002.

The fight against aging is alive and well as more people all over the world are turning to Botox to preserve their youthful look. Statistics show that in 2016, Botox generated about $2.8 billion in revenue worldwide. Moreover, it is predicted that even more individuals will be having this type of treatment in the coming years as this figure is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2022. From smoothing out fine lines to curbing severe underarm sweating to correcting a lazy eye, it seems like Botox is the ultimate beautifier of choice for those who want fast and effective results. But did you know that this injectible is also being currently used as a treatment for depression?

Those who have yet to get help for depression or anxiety may be skeptical of how a beauty treatment favored by celebrities can be an effective way to improve one’s mood. However, there is research—and evidence—that proves that Botox may be just the solution to fighting depression.

How It Works

Some celebrities have been refreshingly candid about how Botox has transformed their looks. But it appears that the effect of this injectible goes beyond the skin, as research shows that it can help to stop negative emotions in their tracks. Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center researcher Dr. Eric Finzi told CBS News that when Botox is injected to the area between the eyebrows where frown lines appear, it can do more than stop you from getting deep wrinkles in this area. The expert says that this type of treatment can make feelings linked to depression (such as anger, fear, and sadness) less intense.

“Botox basically inhibits the muscle and calms it down, so it becomes more difficult to feel those negative emotions,” said Finzi. A patient who has undergone the treatment told the news outlet that she noticed an immediate change in her depression and that her mood was “better on a day-to-day basis.”

Botox to boost self-esteem

Other than preventing you from feeling sad or anxious, another way that Botox can help you combat depression is by changing the way you feel about yourself. Aging can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem as society relates youth with attractiveness. As research has found that a person with low self-esteem may be more vulnerable to depression, feeling better about your appearance may be the key to feeling happier. This is where getting Botox is like hitting two birds with one stone—not only do you look better, but you feel better as a result of your improved looks.

This is possibly the reason why some celebrities such as Sofia Vergara have an open attitude towards getting Botox. The “Modern Family” star once told InStyle that if having Botox or cosmetic surgery can make one feel more confident, then, by all means, people should go for it.

“But I also think you have to do your research, so you know what to expect—that you’ll look fresher but not necessarily younger,” said the actress.

Is it right for you?

If you want to look younger or fresher in an instant and want to feel better about yourself, then Botox may be the solution to your problems. But for treating depression, it may be a good idea to consult a professional as to whether alternative treatments such as getting Botox may be right for you. Relying solely on the injectible to treat your depression or other mental health conditions such as anxiety may not be the way to go. If you’re looking for another way to cure depression apart from therapy and medication, talk to your doctor to see whether Botox injections could be considered as part of your mental wellness plan.

Resources and Further Reading:

1. Total Global Sales Of Allergan’s Botox in 2016, Statista The Statistics Portal, https://www.statista.com/statistics/737477/global-sales-of-allergan-s-botox/

2. I Tried Botox For Sweating And Haven’t Used Antiperspirant for Months, Self, https://www.self.com/story/botox-for-sweating

3. Botox Tested To Help Treat Depression And Social Anxiety, CBS News, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/botox-treatment-depression-and-social-anxiety/

4. 10 Ways To Feel Better About How You Look, Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201407/10-ways-feel-better-about-how-you-look

5. Is Low Self-Esteem Making You Vulnerable To Depression?, PsychCentral, https://psychcentral.com/blog/is-low-self-esteem-making-you-vulnerable-to-depression/

6. The 5 Beauty Products Sofia Vergara Can’t Live Without, InStyle, https://www.instyle.com/news/5-beauty-products-sofia-vergara-cant-live-without

https://unsplash.com/photos/ES60LMf18KU
https://unsplash.com/photos/c_MsZ2JzbIc
https://unsplash.com/photos/UJm8kDbE57Y

Over time, our skin slowly begins to lose its elasticity due to the decrease of naturally produced collagen beneath its surface. You may begin to notice more unwanted fine lines and sagging each morning as you examine your face in the mirror, causing you daily mental stress and undermining your self-esteem. Luckily, there is a vast variety of skin tightening treatments available today, many of which use common household items.

Natural Remedies

Before you begin to pay for highly expensive professional skin treatments, it is recommended that you first consider natural methods to achieve a more tightened appearance in the dermis. Found below is a comprehensive list of the most popular and effective natural remedies for tightening the skin.

Achieving youthful and radiant skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Most of these natural face masks can be made from common ingredients frequently found in the average kitchen.

• Egg White and Lemon Mask. This is one of the most popular DIY face masks available, and often trends on beauty blogs and social media due to its cheap price and effectiveness. Simply whisk one egg white with a few drops of lemon juice until the mixture is frothy. Then apply the mixture evenly across your face and let it dry. Afterward, rinse the mask off with warm water. The mask should tighten your skin to create a younger appearance and healthy glow
• Yogurt and Lemon Mask. Similar to the egg white mask, this yogurt and lemon mask lifts and refreshes skin. The recipe calls for two tablespoons of yogurt and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Just apply and let it dry before rinsing with cool water. This is a great alternative for those who don’t want to deal with the mess of whisking and applying goopy egg whites.

Take Care of Your Body

While it may be easier and quicker to whip up a face mask, your internal health is just as crucial to tighter and more youthful appearing skin.

• Hydrate. Drinking plenty of water is necessary if you want tighter looking skin, as your skin loses its elasticity when dehydrated. You should be drinking a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses per day, if not more.
• Eat Healthier. Having a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin E is necessary for healthier skin.

Other Treatments

Using a natural remedy doesn’t work for everyone, which is why there are numerous skin treatments on the market for tightening. Below are a few highly effective commercial methods of achieving a tighter appearance of the skin. Additionally, some of these remedies help reverse the effects that makeup has on our skin.

• Face Creams. Most drugstores and department stores stock anti-wrinkle firming creams.
• Laser Treatment. Laser skin tightening promotes the growth of new collagen and helps the skin absorb collagen, allowing for younger, tighter looking skin.

Use these remedies to combat the sagging of skin and gain a healthier, more youthful appearance. These treatments may not work instantly, and it may also take some patience to find the right regimen for you. However, this process will be well worth it in the end.

Resources & Further Reading:

https://www.docshop.com/education/dermatology/facial/skin-tightening
https://www.livestrong.com/article/78380-apply-lemon-juice-pimple-scars/
https://www.med-health.net/How-To-Tighten-Face-Skin.html
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tc/drinking-enough-water-topic-overview