BOTOX® is an injectable treatment made from botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. While a large dose of botulinum toxin can be lethal, small doses can be used for many medical applications. BOTOX® can be used to treat migraines, some forms of urinary incontinence and excessive sweating. BOTOX® is also a popular cosmetic treatment, and it is used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, which it does by freezing the muscles. When the muscles are frozen, they remain in a permanently relaxed state. This prevents the muscles from contracting which causes wrinkles to relax. BOTOX® is most commonly used for forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
Preparing for BOTOX®
Before getting BOTOX®, the patient should stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin two weeks before the procedure to reduce bruising. The patient should also stop drinking alcohol a week before the procedure. The patient should stop taking any blood thinners before the procedure to reduce the chances of bruising or bleeding.
What to Expect during Treatments
BOTOX® comes in a powder. To keep the dosage at a sublethal level, the doctor will dilute it in a salty solution, then inject it directly into the targeted muscles and nerves. It usually takes 24 to 72 hours for BOTOX® to take effect, but it can sometimes take as long as five days for the patient to see the results. The results usually last for four to six months until the muscles regain their mobility. Since the affected muscles are being trained to relax, the wrinkles and fine lines will be less noticeable than before the treatment.
Pregnant or nursing women should not undergo BOTOX® treatments. People with a history of allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® should also not get the injections. People with neurological disorders should not get BOTOX®.
Does BOTOX® cause any side effects?
The most common side effect associated with BOTOX® is temporary bruising. More rarely, people can develop headaches that fade 24 or 48 hours after the procedure. A few people develop droopy eyelids, and the effect can last for three weeks. The drooping is caused by the BOTOX® moving around under the skin, so the patient should not lie down for three or four hours after the treatment. They should also not rub the treatment for at least 12 hours after the injection.
If you have any questions or concerns about BOTOX® as a cosmetic procedure our doctors and highly trained staff at Pender Medi Spa will be able to assist you. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
