Botox
Botox®/BOTULINUM TOXIN injections improve appearance by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. These injections also treat medical conditions, including migraines, hyperhidrosis, overactive bladder and eye problems. To maintain results, treatments should be repeated every three to six months.
What is
Botox
Botox® is one of the most widely known brands of botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxins are neurotoxins that affect nerves and cause muscle weakening. You might get a botulinum toxin injection for cosmetic or medical reasons. Healthcare providers inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles to smooth wrinkles, prevent migraine headaches and treat a wide range of other health conditions.
Botox blocks nerve signals to muscles. As a result, injected muscles can’t contract (tense up). These effects are always temporary, but can last for several months. The muscle injected depends on the primary area of concern. Several areas can be treated in one session.
Is Botox Safe?
Botox is generally safe when administered by a licensed healthcare provider.
WHAT IS BOTOX
MADE OF?
A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum makes the neurotoxins used in Botox. Healthcare providers use a specific type of the bacteria (type A) for medical injections.
Botulinum toxins occur naturally in soil and contaminated foods. If you consume large amounts of botulinum toxins or the bacteria get into a wound, you can develop botulism. This serious nervous system disorder affects breathing. For optimal safety and efficacy, Botox is produced in a lab. Technicians dilute and sterilize the botulinum toxins so they won’t cause botulism.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT BOTOX AFTERCARE?
You can return to work and most activities immediately after treatment.
To reduce redness, swelling or bruising:
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Don’t rub or put pressure on the treatment area for 12 hours.
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Stay upright (don’t lie down) for three to four hours.
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Avoid physical exertion for 36 hours.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET BOTOX?
On average, the effects of Botox last about three to four months. Retreatment is recommended at this time. Eventually, however, your muscles may train themselves to contract less. As a result, treatments can be spaced out over longer periods of time. Your healthcare provider can let you know how often you should get Botox based on your unique needs.
HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?
Within three to six months after Botox therapy, toxins wear off and muscles regain movement. As a result, wrinkles return and issues like migraines and sweating may resume. To maintain results, you may choose to receive more Botox injections. Your healthcare provider can let you know how often to undergo Botox treatment.
WHAT COSMETIC CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH BOTOX?
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Botox cosmetic injections are used to address signs of aging. This treatment can smooth fine lines and wrinkles in several areas of your face, including your:
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Eyebrows
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Forehead
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Nose
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Eyes (crow’s feet)
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Lips
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Chin
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Jawline
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Neck
HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE BOTOX TO WORK?
After Botox treatment, most people notice the desired effects around the third or fourth day. Full results will be visible within 10 to 14 days.
WHAT MEDICAL CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH BOTOX?
Botox has been used for decades in the medical industry. These injections may be recommended for the treatment of:
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Crossed eyes (strabismus)
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Excessive muscle contractions (dystonia)
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Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
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Eyelid twitching
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Chronic migraines