Botox treatments are best known for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, including:
• Crow’s feet
• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Forehead creases
Botox is a safe drug that is made from botulinum toxin type A, a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox is injected in small, targeted doses that are safely administered by a licensed professional.
Keep reading to learn more about how Botox works, its benefits, and any side effects to look out for.
How do Botox Treatments Work?
Botox treatments work by preventing the targeted muscles from contracting. Botox blocks the signals from your nerves to your muscles, improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
A licensed professional will carefully inject the botulinum toxin into your skin or the muscle area being treated. Botox treatments are pain-free and the procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on where the injections are being administered.
Botox treatments can be injected in the following areas:
• Forehead
• Top of the nose
• Eyebrows
• Around the eyes
• Around the mouth
• Chin
• Jaw
• Neck
There is no recovery period needed for Botox treatments and you can see results beginning to appear in 3 days. Expect the full effects to show up in approximately 14 days.
Botox is a temporary procedure that lasts about 3 to 5 months. To maintain the benefits of Botox treatments, repeated regular visits are required.
Botox Treatments for Muscular Conditions
In addition to being offered as a cosmetic procedure, Botox treatments are also used to treat underlying muscular conditions such as:
• Cervical dystonia (neck spasms)
• Lazy eye
• Eye twitching
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Chronic migraines
• Overactive bladder
• Certain neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy
What are the Side Effects of Botox?
As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, side effects are possible. Although Botox treatments are safe, some side effects to watch for are:
• Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
• Dry eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Droopy eyelids
• Crooked smile
• Drooling
• Headache
• Flu-like symptoms
It’s important to talk to your doctor, nurse or licensed Botox professional about what to expect after your procedure.
Key Points
Cosmetic injectables can help you rediscover your confidence and feel good in your skin again. If you’re considering Botox treatments, always schedule your procedure with an experienced licensed professional to ensure your health and safety.