What is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin, or a neuromodulator. Botox is one type of neurotoxin on the Canadian market. There are several others such as Dysport, Xeomin and Nuceiva (to name a few). Neurotoxins, which may sound scary, are perfectly safe—as long as they are handled and administered by a licensed professional.
The product (neurotoxin) gets injected with a teeny-tiny needle. The moment the needle goes in - the product is finished doing its thing. The chemical kicks into action, blocking nerve transmission in nearby muscles, effectively freezing the area. The injected muscle can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften, and also helps prevent new ones from forming. The effect remains localized (as long as post-procedure instructions are followed) and the Botox stays only where it was injected, it does not roam through the body. It does not have a systemic effect, for example it won’t affect your hand if it’s injected in your face it won't end up in your hands or feet!
How soon will it work? How long will it last? How much does it cost?
In a few days (anywhere from three to fourteen), you'll have noticeably smoother skin.
Scientifically speaking, once the protein stops functioning at the neuromuscular junction, it is broken down into harmless components (amino acids) and either recycled for use in other proteins or excreted by the kidneys. The neurotoxins work, on average, for 3-4 months with repeated treatments to keep up your look, which can help reduce resting lines that will likely set in as you age.
Cost ranges from $8-12 per unit at most clinics and depend on the treatment area. Look to our FB or IG to see ads that show how much Botox do I need for a 'guestimate'. Prices at Awad Medical Aesthetics & Wellness are posted online and you will always receive a free quote prior to your service.
Can it go wrong?
Yes - any injection placed improperly can have an adverse effect on the muscle. Infections and product migration are rare, but can occur - that’s why adhering to the post-procedure instructions is a must! I heard a story once of a client (not mine) doing yoga in the hours after getting injected - and a lid ptosis (medical term for a closed eye lid from a weakened muscle) happened. This was because in the few hours after getting the injection one must avoid certain things like heat, exercise, lying down!! Luckily there is medication for that issue - not a true fix though. Not all mishaps can be corrected right away. Worst case, the product will becomes weaker over time and ineffective overall, after approximately 3 months, when everything will return to baseline!
What else?
Bruising, redness and swelling can occur - but it’s rare and very time limited. Use of ice, topical analgesics and makeup can help ease the transition and healing phase.
Will my face be numb?
No. The neurotoxins block the nerves in the body that make motion. The other nerves that give you feeling are not effected.
Can I get Botulism?
Even if, very hypothetically, some molecules were to go into the bloodstream and travel to distant sites in the body, the cosmetic doses (typically less than 100 units) used are significantly lower than the toxic dose that would be harmful systemically (2,500-3,000 units).
Who can inject Botox?
Licensed medical professionals such as Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses and Dentists. Some injectors, registered/practice nurses, for example, require a medical director to give oversight and orders to be able to inject. Make sure your injector has the right qualifications!
Have other questions?
Ask Cathy Awad, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Cosmetic Injector
Owner & Medical Director of Awad Medical Aesthetics & Wellness
Member of the Canadian Board of Aesthetic Medicine
