If you have never had Botox before, or haven’t even asked about it, then it’s fair to assume you’ve probably got some burning questions. Before you start looking at this injectable treatment for yourself, here are some of the most commonly asked questions by first-time patients.
What is Botox?
Perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions of all is what is Botox? It is a cosmetic injectable that has been used for years as a way to treat facial creases and wrinkles. It’s also a brand name for a toxin from Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium.
While there are other brands for the same thing, Botox is one you hear the most because it was the first injectable of its kind.
What is Botox Used For?
Even though it has long been used to treat wrinkles and facial creases, there’s actually a lot more to this treatment option than meets the eye. Medical professionals also use it to treat a number of medical conditions.
Having it injected into the armpit may assist with hyperhidrosis, which is excessive underarm sweating. It may also help with the neurological condition cervical dystonia, which causes neck and shoulder muscle spasms.
It’s even commonly used to treat uncontrollable blinking, chronic migraines, overactive bladders, and strabismus, which is a condition that causes your eyes to look in different directions. It’s certainly more than just a cosmetic treatment option to make you look younger.
How Does Botox Work?
If Botox can help with all of these things, how does it work? It blocks the signals from your nerves to your muscles. The muscle a medical professional injects with Botox can’t contract. As a result, wrinkles soften and relax. It may react in different ways with some of the medical conditions mentioned above.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox doesn’t last forever, which is something that many people wonder about. Most treatments last for between three and five months, with the muscles slowly starting to return to their normal movement over time. To maintain the benefits of Botox, some people undertake maintenance treatment every three to four months.
What Happens During Botox Treatment?
Many people get nervous about having their very first Botox treatment. It’s understandable, but it’s essential to understand that it’s a straightforward treatment administered by trained, qualified medical professionals.
The entire process takes just a few minutes, and you don’t require anaesthesia. A small needle is used to inject the Botox into the specific muscle. Discomfort is minimal. Within two weeks, you’ll likely feel the full effects.
Your doctor may also give you a list of recommendations for after your treatment, such as not touching the injection site, staying upright for around four hours, and not exercising on the day of your treatment.
Is Botox Treatment Safe?
Botox is safe, depending on what you are using it for and who is administering it. It’s an FDA-approved treatment for wrinkles. However, not everyone will be eligible for this treatment option. It is not advisable for people with some neurological conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
With some of the most commonly asked questions now answered, it’s now up to you to decide what you do with that information. If you’d like to talk more about Botox, consult a trained medical professional.