What is Botox®?
Botox® is a muscle relaxing agent derived from Botulinum that
reduces wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing the
muscle. The most common area of treatment is frown lines of
the forehead. It may also be used to treat excessive underarm
sweating.
How does the treatment work?
Botox® temporarily reduces the contractions of the muscles that
cause wrinkles. By relaxing the muscles, the overlying skin becomes
smoother. Several tiny Botox® injections are administered directly into
the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. Your health care provider
will determine where those muscles are located.
Is Botox® safe?
Botox® is safe and has very few side effects. Rare side effects include
headache, flu symptoms and temporary eyelid droop.
Will there be any downtime?
You may resume normal activities immediately. Vigorous exercise or
laying flat may be restricted for a few hours following treatment. Many
clients undergo Botox® during their lunch break and return to work after
treatment.
What are the benefits of
Botox®?
Botox® has no downtime as opposed to other wrinkle reducing methods.
Also, following treatment there is little to no pain or discomfort.
Results can be seen after only one session.
How long does a Botox®
treatment last?
A Botox® treatment lasts only a short period of time and depends on how
many areas are being injected and the size of the treated areas.
How does the treatment feel?
The only pain or discomfort is a slight pin-prick sensation from the
small needle injecting the Botox®. If necessary, ice or a topical
anesthetic may be applied prior to treatment.
How long do results last?
Results of Botox® vary and can last up to four months. Generally, most
people can expect three months of improvement. Treatments are offered
every few months for maintenance.
Who are candidates for Botox®?
Candidates for Botox® injections are age eighteen to sixty-five and
interested in improving the appearance of their face. Many candidates
are seeking relief from wrinkles and brow furrows.
Who should avoid Botox®?
Do not use Botox® if you have an infection where the Botox® will be
injected, are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox® or are
pregnant. Some conditions may increase the chance of infection, so a
doctor should be advised of your medical history before receiving
Botox®.
What are the alternative
treatments?
An alternative treatment to Botox® is skin resurfacing, which
includes many types of laser therapies and chemical peels. These
procedures can be painful and may have a much longer recovery time than
Botox®. Other alternatives include surgery such as a brow lift.
Is additional treatment
necessary?
Generally, after three to four months, the Botox® effects will begin to
fade and facial features will gradually return to their former state.
Maintenance treatments are necessary to keep the effect of Botox® for
long periods of time.
What are the limitations of
Botox®?
The limitation of Botox® is that it is not a permanent answer to
reducing wrinkles. Also, results vary and occasional problems with
asymmetry may occur.
Who are treatments provided
by?
Treatments can be provided by any authorized healthcare
professional.
Instructions before treatment:
Avoid alcoholic beverages and anti-inflammatory medications before
treatment. Schedule a Botox® appointment at least two weeks prior to any
special events to allow time to heal.
Instructions after treatment:
Treat any mild discomfort with Tylenol, and expect temporary swelling.
If desired, an icepack can be applied after treatment. Do not massage
the treated areas because it may move the Botox® around and create a
different effect. It is generally recommended to remain upright for four
hours after injections and avoid aerobic activity for a few hours.
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