What is BOTOX?
BOTOX is an injection derived from a naturally occurring toxin (Clostridium botulinum) that keeps muscles from moving. BOTOX is primarily used as an anti-aging treatment in cosmetic dermatology, although it also helps treat many medical conditions. BOTOX is the most popular non-invasive treatment in dermatology today, with 4-5 million people getting BOTOX in the U.S. every year.
Is BOTOX Safe?
Some people hear the word “toxin” and get nervous. However, BOTOX has been used for medical conditions for over 30 years and cosmetically for over 20. Millions of people have been treated with BOTOX and serious complications are extraordinarily rare. Over decades the field of dermatology has refined and fine-tuned the use of BOTOX, and it is safer to get BOTOX now than it has ever been before.
When getting cosmetic BOTOX, the most common risk is getting bruising and/or swelling at the injection site. This is usually mild and resolves within a few days. Infections can also happen at the injection site, so monitor the area for redness, pain, or swelling.
There is always a risk of allergy when introducing something into your body, but luckily BOTOX allergy is rare. If you do have a sensitivity to BOTOX it will most likely present itself as itching, redness, or rash at the injection site. Serious systemic allergic reactions are possible but extremely unlikely.
BOTOX is considered safe in the hands of a skilled medical practitioner. Minimize your risk of unwanted side effects or unwanted outcomes by seeing an experienced doctor for your BOTOX injections.
Is BOTOX Right for Me?
BOTOX is an effective tool in the prevention of many skin aging concerns. If it is started early, BOTOX can stop wrinkles and frown lines before they ever have a chance to form. If you already have developed wrinkles, regular use of BOTOX will weaken the underlying muscles and dramatically improve the appearance of lines in most people. This same mechanism can also improve skin tone and texture, revealing a smoother complexion.
BOTOX can be used to add symmetry to the face. If you have asymmetry in your smile or a drooping eyebrow, for example, BOTOX can offer subtle yet significant improvement. This can be done for purely cosmetic reasons, but it is also used in people with health conditions like nerve damage or Bell’s Palsy to improve their appearance and quality of life.
BOTOX is often used to control excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis.) It blocks the nerve signals that tell your body to produce sweat and has proven itself highly effective as a treatment.
BOTOX is also a painfighting tool used to treat severe migraines, muscle spasms, arthritis, and chronic pain. Relief lasts for months and can dramatically improve pain.
How Long Does BOTOX Last?
On average, BOTOX lasts 3-6 months. Many people set up a bi-or tri-annual appointment schedule with their cosmetic dermatologist as part of their basic care. BOTOX seems to have cumulative effects, so the more you get it, the more benefits you receive from it as your muscles are trained to relax. BOTOX appointments don’t take a long time, either. Pop into the office on your lunch break and you’ll still have time to eat a sandwich before heading back to work. There’s no down time, either, so you don’t need to adjust your work or social schedule around treatments