20 Facts You Should Know About Botox

Reasons to use Botox

Botox is a neurotoxin used to temporarily reduce the movement of muscles. Therapeutically, Botox is used to treat disorders such as strabismus (crossed eyes), involuntary blinking, muscle stiffness, torticollis, overactive bladder, severe underarm sweating, and chronic migraines. Cosmetically, it is used to treat frown lines and crow’s feet.

When is Botox used?

Botox works wonders for a variety of conditions, including:

1. Around the eye region to manage crow’s feet or involuntary eye muscle contractions;
2. In the forehead to minimize frown lines;
3. In the neck muscles to treat cervical dystonia;
4. And in the limbs to treat limb spasticity;

The toxin is also widely used to treat chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and hair loss.

Botox treatment

Botox is a quick and straightforward treatment. It is minimally invasive, and the needles used for injections are small. The whole process takes between 10 to 15 minutes.

Prior to treatment, the affected area is examined, and the practitioner will then decide where the Botox will be injected. If a patient is extremely sensitive, they may receive an anesthetic before injection. Otherwise, an ice pack may be used post-procedure to reduce any discomfort. There is no downtime for Botox procedures: patients may return to their normal schedule following treatment.

Will the treatment hurt?

Generally, these injections do not hurt: the needles used to perform them are relatively small, and are comparable to the pinpricks of acupuncture. Botox should not irritate the skin, but may cause mild bruising and swelling following the injection process.

When will I notice the effects?

Botox often requires 72 hours to display results. However, in some cases, it may take up to 7 days for patients to see changes.

Are the results permanent?

Botox results last approximately 3–6 months. The exact duration of Botox treatments depends on a variety of factors, including the treatment area, the dosage that was used, and the patient’s genetic makeup.

Will I look frozen after receiving Botox?

An artificial appearance occurs when Botox is administered incorrectly. As such, patients should always seek treatment from a highly qualified professional. In the hands of the right practitioner, Botox treatment will result in a natural appearance.

When can I go back to work?

In most cases, patients can immediately return to their normal schedule after treatment.

When to book Botox treatments

For any first time Botox treatment, patients should schedule their appointment a couple months prior to the event in question. This will ensure that there is enough time for their consultation, procedure, and any required refinement. However, a patient who has had Botox before needs only a 3–4 week buffer prior to any special event. This will allow the patient to adequately recover from any bruising or redness.

Ideal age for Botox treatments

Usually, Botox treatments are sought out by those in their 30s to 40s, which is when the skin begins to lose volume. Botox treatments can prevent wrinkles from forming, so patients are starting to seek them out as early as in their 20s.

Is botulinum toxin harmful when injected?

Once Botox is injected, remains localized in the target muscle. It is later metabolized and broken down in the body, making this treatment impermanent and safe.

Am I a candidate for Botox?

Anyone can receive Botox. While the average age range of patients undergoing Botox treatment is 41 to 55, individuals in their 20s and 30s use this procedure to prevent premature aging.

Can other treatments be used with Botox?

Patients can combine Botox with other treatments, such as dermal fillers, to obtain optimum results. Combining these 2 treatments can prolong the effects of the fillers. With less muscle contractions, the filler will appear smoother and more volumizing.

Can I give myself Botox injections?

Botox is not suitable for use by untrained and unlicensed individuals. Botox treatments should be administered by board-certified physicians and licensed injectors.

Counterfeit Botox

Vials should be sealed with official labels displayed. This ensures that the vial being used is not mixed with anything else and is a genuine product.

Will there be any side effects?

On occasion, Botox can cause side effects. Some of these include:

1. Redness at the site of the injection;
2. Small bumps at the site of the injection;
3. Slight bruising;
4. Transient blurred vision;
5. And headaches;

Risks of Botox injections

Unwanted cosmetic side effects of this treatment include facial immobility, droopy eyelids, and a heavy-looking forehead. These can be avoided via proper administration by a licensed medical professional.

Is there a permanent treatment alternative?

Depending on the condition being treated, there may be more permanent solutions. A brow lift may be performed to reduce the appearance of forehead lines, for example.

Should I get Botox or dermal fillers?

Botox softens fine lines by relaxing the facial muscles. Soft tissue fillers plump up the skin, helping to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. These treatments can be used together or separately, depending on your desired results. Your medical provider will be able to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Are the Botox myths true?

1. If you stop using Botox, it will not make you look older.
2. Botox is not addictive.
3. Botox is not permanent.

These common myths often deter people from receiving treatment, but there is no merit to them. Ensure you only receive treatment from a licensed practitioner