If you have been considering Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) injections to smooth the lines and wrinkles around your eyes or mouth, it’s essential to understand how it works. Below is more information about Botox so you can make an informed decision about this popular procedure.

Botox Overview

Botulinum toxin is made by certain types of bacteria that can be poisonous in high doses. But weaker, smaller amounts are effective to smooth facial wrinkles. Regular Botox injections can help to make your face look younger and smoother – and without surgery.

Some of the facial areas that Botox injections can treat are:

Forehead lines
Frown lines
Crows feet
Marionette lines
Brow lift

When Botox is injected into your face, it blocks the nerve signals that make your facial muscles contract. When the muscles relax, the wrinkles in that area are reduced. The effect can last up to six months. After that, the muscles can move again, and the wrinkles reappear.

Botox injections also can treat:

Eyelid twitching
Migraines
Adult spasticity
Excessive sweating
Crossed eyes
Cervical dystonia
Overactive bladder

How Your Doctor Injects Botox

When your doctor injects Botox, she may rub a painkilling cream to numb the area. Then, the doctor will inject the chemical into the desired facial muscle, which only takes about five minutes.

Usually, Botox injections are done in the doctor’s office. Talk to your doctor about the activities you should avoid right after your injections.

After the first week of your Botox injections, you should see your facial muscles relax, which should reduce your fine lines and wrinkles.

Most patients find that these injections make wrinkles fade, but others may see little effect. Talk with your doctor about what you can expect from Botox injections. She can inform you about other options, such as a facelift or dermal fillers.

Who Can Get Botox Injections?

Botox injections are an excellent option to reduce wrinkles for many people. However, you need to be in good overall health and at least 18. Some patients who should not have this procedure include those with these conditions:

Neuromuscular disease such as multiple sclerosis
Pregnancy or nursing
Weakness in facial muscles
Drooping eyelids, deep facial scars, or asymmetrical facial features
Skin conditions near the site

If you’re interested in botulinum toxin injections, discuss your medical history with your doctor. Also, disclose all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take regularly.

Other face procedures could be better options than Botox, such as dermal fillers.

How Long Do Botox Injections Last?

Most patients find the results last about three months from a single treatment. You should see the smoothing of the skin in the treated area and improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When the effects start to fade, it will happen gradually. If you want to continue the effects, you’ll need to see your doctor for more injections.

Botox has been proven to reduce superficial facial lines and wrinkles, and patients report that their treated areas become smoother quickly.

What Are The Side Effects And Risks Of Botox Injections

Botox injections help many people, but they can lead to side effects and complications. Side effects include:

Eye irritation, redness, and tearing
Bruising and redness where Botox was injected. This happens more often if you take blood-thinning medication or aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop taking these drugs before you have Botox injections.

Also, drinking alcohol 24 hours before your procedure can increase bruising and swelling.

A less common but serious side effect is drooping eyelids or ptosis. The problem can obstruct your vision, but it should go away when the injection wears off in about two months. If you continue to have this problem, please talk to your ophthalmologist. One option is an eyelid lift.

To reduce side effects, your surgeon may recommend eye drops or ointment after your procedure. You also may need to sit upright and not lie down for a few hours. Further, avoid putting pressure on the treated area for four hours after your Botox injections.

Your doctor may advise you not to exercise for a day after the procedure.

What Are Some Related Botox Procedures?

Some patients opt for a Botox facial, which provides nutrients to the skin, giving you a younger, fresher appearance. The result is smoother and tighter skin.

The Botox facial uses micro-needling where the skin is punctured with tiny needles. The doctor injects Botox and serum under the skin. This mixture enters the skin and infuses but does not freeze it.

Also, your Botox injections might be just one of your mommy makeover procedures.

Request a Botox Procedure Consultation

Interested in a Houston Botox appointment? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of Botox injections and determine if you’re an ideal candidate. She will explain various topics such as preventive Botox and whether Botox is right for you.

References

Botox Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://medlineplus.gov/botox.html

How Does Botulinum Toxin Work? (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/how-does-botulinum-toxin-botox-work

Botox Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658