Botulinum toxin type A (trade name: Botox) is one of four neurotoxins approved by Health Canada*. The FDA** has approved a few more neurotoxins in the USA, however we cannot use them in Canada until approved in this country.
Botox was FDA approved in the USA in 2002 and was the first neuromodulator on the market which explains why the name gets the best recognition globally. Other neurotoxins are similar to Botox when it comes to their effects, however Botox has a greater number of cosmetic and medical approvals than other neuromodulators in the market. One reason for this is that it has been approved for a longer period of time which has allowed more research to be undertaken into its uses and effects.
What is it? And how does it work?
Excess muscle movements cause wrinkles. Botox is an injectable drug that causes temporary muscle weakness. Botox prevents the muscle movements thereby softening wrinkles, stopping them from forming, and in some cases removing them temporarily. The wrinkles start showing again as soon as the effect of Botox is gone.
How long does it last?
It lasts about 3 - 4 months. There are trials for neurotoxins with effects that may last up to 6 months, but they are not yet approved in Canada!
Can I stretch the length of the treatment by getting more?
I hear from my clients all the time: "does the length of Botox treatment extend over 3-4 months if I receive more units?"
The answer is NO! Simply put, Botox produces paralysis by blocking presynaptic release of the neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) at the neuromuscular junction. Why is it not permanent? Because our bodies are smart! Our bodies make new neurotransmitters all the time, so the “blocking” effect of Botox gradually wears off naturally.
What happens to Botox after the treatment wears off?
Over a period of 2-5 months, the Botox components are broken down into amino acids. You must have heard of amino acids in your chemistry classes before! They are harmless particles. We have lots of them in our bodies! They get excreted from the kidneys as waste, and form part of other proteins in the body. As such, Botox either leaves your system completely or gets recycled in a harmless form.
When do I see the results?
When you receive your Botox treatment you leave your injector with a few pokes on your face and no makeup! The pokes go away in 10 minutes or so, but you'll find the wrinkles take a little longer to disappear. Do not worry! It typically takes 7-14 days for Botox to kick in! Keep looking at your face every night before you go to bed and one day between 7-14 days you will see the difference. And you will love it!
Having said that if you are planning to go on your vacation or having a big party to attend, you have to jump on it at least 2-4 weeks before your event!
Is it painful?
Pain is subjective! However, the needles are tiny and are not inserted deep into the face. The treatment is short and not invasive. So I would say typically it is not a painful treatment at all!
How often can I get it?
It is recommended to get Botox 4 times a year to prevent muscle resistance.
Why is it important to find the right injector?
A good injector knows how many units to apply, and where to inject for the best result! That is one thing that changes the length of the treatment! Underdosing or microtoxing wears off quickly! If you had Botox treatment and it wore off in a month, then you might just need a new injector with more experience. I'd be delighted to meet you for a consultation!
* Health Canada : Health Canada is a federal institution that oversees the Information on incident reporting, recalls and alerts, cosmetic information, product safety education and consumer product requirements. Based on these information a product gets approved and stated as a “safe product to use”.
* * FDA : The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.
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