Botox

What is Botox?

Botox is a drug that relaxes specific muscles that cause wrinkles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. While it is made from Clostridium botulinum toxin, the minimal doses used for cosmetic treatments are safe.

Botox injections are the most popular anti-aging injections in the U.S. They’re a quick, easy treatment with fantastic results and no recovery time needed.

How Does Botox Work?

Facial wrinkles are caused by the workout that life gives our faces. Frowning, smiling, squinting, and raising your eyebrows all contribute over the years. Botox temporarily weakens or paralyzes the responsible muscles. After Botox injections, you can still frown, smile, squint, and raise your eyebrows. You’ll still look like yourself, but refreshed and younger.

The smoothing effects of Botox typically last three to four months but can last as long as six months. Regular treatments give Botox more staying power.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox?

Botox isn’t right for everybody but can produce beautiful results for the right patient. A good candidate for Botox is someone seeking a younger, smoother appearance who:

  • Has moderate to severe wrinkles around the eyes and forehead
  • Is in good overall health with no serious chronic health conditions
  • Has realistic expectations for their results
  • Is committed to caring for their skin before and after treatment

When is Botox Not Recommended?

Botox may not be right if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a botulinum toxin allergy
  • Have a serious infection or illness
  • Have a skin infection at the injection site
  • Have a condition that affects muscles or nerves, like myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

The Procedure

Botox injections are done in a doctor’s office. It’s a quick, noninvasive treatment requiring almost no preparation or downtime.

Before the procedure

Before getting Botox, you’ll be asked about your medical history, including any allergies or medical conditions that could affect treatment. It’s important to tell your doctor about all your medications, supplements, and herbal remedies – especially blood thinners. You may need to stop taking blood thinners for a few days before the procedure to minimize the risk of bleeding or bruising.

During the procedure

If you’d like, you may have a numbing cream or ice applied to your skin before treatment. The needle and the amount of Botox injected are both tiny, and most people say the injections feel like a little pinch that only lasts a few seconds.

Botox is injected in precise locations in the muscles being treated to minimize wrinkles safely and effectively. The number of injections depends on your specific needs, but 5-15 needle pricks may be necessary.

After the procedure

After treatment, you can return to your normal daily activities. You’ll need to be careful not to rub or scrub the treated area for at least 24 hours.

Results depend on individual factors, but most people notice the muscles beginning to relax in one to three days and see the full results in about two weeks. Your results may last longer than three months, and follow-up injections will be necessary to keep your skin smooth longer.

Side Effects and Risks of Botox

Most clients have a comfortable and successful treatment with excellent results. But side effects from Botox injections are possible. They are rare but may include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Brow drooping
  • Double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, dry eyes
  • Drooping or swelling eyelids
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Pain or discomfort at the injection site
  • Tiredness

Serious side effects are very rare, but it is possible for Botox to spread beyond the targeted area and cause symptoms hours or weeks after treatment. If you notice any of the following symptoms at any time after treatment, seek medical attention right away:

  • Breathing problems
  • Difficult swallowing or speaking
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Muscle weakness
  • Vision problems

How Much Does Botox Treatment Cost?

Botox injections are among the most affordable anti-aging treatments. The cost of treatment depends on many factors, like:

  • The expertise of your plastic surgeon
  • The geographic location of your treatment
  • The number of injections needed for your customized treatment

If you think Botox may be right for you, schedule a free consultation today!