7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Botox

Last Updated: September 19, 2022

Botox is the most common non-surgical aesthetic treatment in the world, with millions of treatments being performed every year.

In the United States alone, more than 4.4 million Botox treatments were administered in 2020 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Its popularity among patients and providers alike stems from many of Botox’s one-of-a-kind benefits, including:

• It being approved by the FDA and is safe
• Little to no pain experienced by patients
• Takes less than 30 minutes to administer
• The truly amazing results when done properly

1) Botox Treats Your Muscles, Not Your Skin

People often get Botox to effectively reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.

However, Botox, or OnabotulinumtoxinA, doesn’t really work on the skin, but rather the muscles underneath.

The active ingredient in Botox is botulinum toxin type A, which is a muscle relaxant. It acts by preventing muscles from contracting.

The way it helps diminish facial wrinkles is by relaxing the muscles that cause the wrinkles and lines themselves.

Botox does this by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine that is needed for muscle contraction.

For example, someone might have deep vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows, which are caused by excessive activity in a particular set of muscles called the corrugator supercilii.

If Botox is injected into these muscles, they will relax, and as a result, the wrinkles caused by them will become much less apparent or completely go away.

By targeting specific muscles, it is possible to reduce activity in chosen areas, such as between the brows or crows’ feet; raise the brow area; decrease lip lines, soften the chin, and improve downturned corners of the mouth.

2) Botox Can Treat Depression & Improve Moods

It has actually been shown that  Botox can help treat depression, and that people who get Botox are generally happier than those who don’t.

This may seem like a crazy fact, but more and more research has shown that there is a real connection between how people look and how they feel.

Additionally, your emotions are tied to your facial expressions.

By relaxing the facial muscles, the facial expressions for negative emotions are diminished, which in turn makes people feel better. If you can’t frown, you’ll feel happier!

3) Botox is Used as a Medical Treatment

Botox is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes.

However, it can be extremely effective in treating medical concerns.

Migraine headaches can be treated with Botox, as it relaxes the muscles that cause the throbbing pain.

Excessing sweating or Hyperhidrosis can be treated by blocking the nerves that cause the body to sweat. This is commonly done in the armpits to end embarrassing sweat stains.

Botox can treat a clenching jaw or Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) as well. The injections will relax the muscles that are tightening up and causing limited movement and discomfort.

It is also used for bladder spasms, and to weaken contractures in patients with cerebral palsy or cervical dystonia.

4) Food Poisoning Led to the Discovery of Botox

Believe it or not, botulinum toxin, which is the active ingredient in Botox, was first discovered in the 1820s by a German scientist who was studying a case of food poisoning.

Dr. Justinus Kerner was trying to figure out why an old batch of sausages ended up poisoning several Germans.

During his studies, he discovered that there was a toxin in the meat that caused their untimely death.

He then named his discovery ‘botulism’ from the Latin root botulus, which means sausage.

As years passed and extensive research was conducted, scientists developed this toxin into a refined and safe substance that could be used to relax muscles and block certain nerves.

Today, Botox is now FDA-approved and considered one of the safest non-surgical procedures.

5) Botox Injections are Gaining Popularity in Men

The number of men receiving Botox injections today has increased over 300 percent since the year 2000, and everything indicates that this will continue to increase.

There are many theories for this trend, including the benefits for professional success and a more accepting culture to cosmetic treatments.

However, more than ever men are increasingly interested in enjoying the benefits of a younger-looking, smoother face.

6) Botox is Not a Type of Filler

Botox does not add volume to facial areas.

Instead, it reduces lines by relaxing the muscles that cause the lines (as explained above).

Lines that are etched-in, called “static lines,” may be softened but not eliminated.

Sometimes to eliminate these lines a filler, such as Juvéderm or Restylane is required after the muscle is relaxed for more long-lasting results.

After being treated with Botox, the toxin is broken down and eliminated after two hours but takes three to seven days to work.

The effects of Botox peak in 10 to 14 days, and last around three to four months, requiring subsequent treatments to maintain the effect.

Schedule a Consultation for Botox Injection

You’ve considered Botox treatment, but wanted to see how other patients have benefited from it. We offer the best quality care with one of the highest success rates. Let us show you how our patients have benefitted and explore our Botox before and after photos.

If you are interested in receiving Botox injection or learning more about the non-surgical treatment for cosmetic or medical concerns, call us at 518-786-7004 or schedule a consultation with one of our specialists at The Rejuva Center