Botulinum bacteria produce Botox protein, which skin specialists use for facial cosmetic procedures. Botox injections target facial muscles by blocking nerve signals and stopping muscle contraction. The treatment relaxes and softens wrinkles, creases, and forehead lines or frown lines. Botox is also a preventative measure against wrinkles to make them less pronounced. Besides cosmetic treatment, Botox treats blepharospasm, strabismus, hyperhidrosis, chronic migraines, and an overactive bladder.
Are you contemplating Botox in Scottsdale Arizona? Here’s a quick summary.
The Different Types of Botox and the Expected Lasting Effects
Some common Botox products in the market include Myobloc, Dysport, and Xeomin. They usually cost between $10-$20 per unit. Generally, Botox effects last between 2-4 months. Afterward, you may need follow-up injections to maintain the effectiveness. Note that you can combine Botox with other facial cosmetic practices like dermal filler injections to enhance your look.
Before Botox Treatment
It’s imperative to undergo an extensive consultation process since some factors may prohibit same-day Botox injection treatment. For instance, you may be on drugs that may increase the chances of developing side effects such as bleeding and inflammation. If you’re on ibuprofen, Aspirin, muscle relaxants, allergy medication, sleeping aids, or anti-inflammatory medication, doctors recommend that you wait for a week or two before getting the injection.
Note that pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t get Botox treatment due to potential risks to the mother and unborn baby. While no studies are currently in place due to ethical violations, it’s best to be safer than sorry. Anyone allergic to cow milk proteins should also avoid Botox.
Botox Treatment Process
It’s recommendable to get a qualified medical professional or a board-certified and licensed aesthetic nurse or plastic surgeon for the treatment. That’s because the injections require small, specific amounts and proper administration into the facial muscles for effective wrinkle reduction. Your nurse or doctor will clean and disinfect the treatment site before administering the injections. The procedure takes an average of 10-15 minutes and only needs local anesthesia.
The number of injections and the amount of Botox your face needs depends on the result you want to achieve. People who start the Botox injections early for preventative care generally require less Botox as they age since wrinkles and creases on the face become less noticeable.
Things to Avoid After Botox Treatment
Like any other cosmetic treatment, you ought to keep off some things to hasten the healing process and get back to your daily life within no time:
- Avoid alcohol after the injections to keep your skin hydrated
- Don’t expose the treated area to the sun, direct heat, or aggressive cosmetic procedures such as waxing
- Don’t apply too much pressure on the treated area
- Stay off your normal exercise routine that could increase blood flow and Botox diffusion from the treatment site
The Side Effects of Botox
Complications after Botox injections are rare if you seek treatment from a professional. However, you could experience minor side effects such as:
- Pain, bruises, and swelling in the treated area
- A mild headache
- Excessive tearing or dry eyes
- Numbness and weakness on the injection site
- Droopy eyes
- Flu-like symptoms
Although rare, some major health complications associated with Botox include:
- Blurred and double vision
- Difficulty moving the eyes
- General muscle weakness
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking
- Drooling and the loss of control of the lips (Lip Flip Treatment)
Note that the above symptoms are treatable. Don’t hesitate to call your physician if they occur.
