Botox is one of the most widely known brands of botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxins are neurotoxins that impact nerves and result in muscle weakening. You might get a botulinum toxin injection for cosmetic or medical reasons. Healthcare providers inject small amounts of Botox into certain muscles to smooth wrinkles, prevent migraine headaches and treat a wide range of other health issues.
What is Botox made from?
A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum makes the neurotoxins used in Botox. Healthcare providers use a certain type of the bacteria (type A) for medical injections.
Botulinum toxins appear naturally in soil and contaminated foods. If you ingest large quantities of botulinum toxins or the bacteria enter a wound, you can develop botulism. This serious nervous system disorder affects breathing. For ideal safety and efficiency, Botox is made in a laboratory. Specialists dilute and sterilize the botulinum toxins so they will not cause botulism.
How does Botox work?
Botox blocks nerve signals to muscles. Therefore, injected muscles can’t contract (tighten). These results are always short-term, but can last for several months. The muscle injected depends on the primary area of concern. Several areas can be treated in one session.
What cosmetic conditions can be treated with Botox?
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:
- Eyebrows
- Forehead
- Nose
- Eyes (crow’s feet)
- Lips
- Chin
- Jawline
- Neck
What medical conditions can be treated with Botox?
Botox has been used for years in the medical industry. These injections might be suggested for the treatment of:
- Crossed eyes (strabismus)
- Excessive muscle contractions (dystonia)
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Eyelid twitching
- Chronic migraines
- Overactive bladder
- Pediatric upper limb spasticity
- Adult spasticity
- Blepharospasm
- Cervical dystonia
How is a Botox treatment done?
Getting Botox takes only a few minutes. You will not need anesthetic. The professional uses a small needle to inject Botox into specific muscles with only small discomfort.
It generally takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect. It’s best to avoid alcohol starting at least 1 week before the procedure. You should also quit taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines 2 weeks prior to treatment to help avoid bruising.
Avoid rubbing the injection spot for 24 hours so you don’t spread the Botox to another area. Your doctor might also advise you to stay upright for 4 hours after the shots and to take a day off from working out.
How long does a Botox injection last?
The effects from Botox will last 3 to 6 months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles start to come back and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often look less intense with time since the muscles are shrinking.
What are the side effects of Bbotox?
You might have some short-term side effects after a Botox injection. These might include:
- This is the most common side effect and will go away.
- Typically, these are uncommon and end in 24 to 48 hours.
- Eyelid drooping. This occurs with just a small percentage of individuals and usually goes away within 3 weeks. It typically occurs when the Botox moves around, so do not rub the treated area.
- Crooked smile or drooling.
- Eye dryness or severe tearing
- Moderate pain or swelling around the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms or a general unwell feeling
- Upset stomach
- Numbness
- Weakness in nearby muscles
If you choose botulinum toxin injections, you’ll need to get treatment every three to six months to preserve optimal results. There isn’t a known risk of getting multiple Botox treatments. Many individuals find that Botox considerably improves their overall quality of life. Speak with your healthcare provider to decide if Botox in Bowling Green, KY is right for you.