Botox

Botox is a popular non-surgical, injectable treatment that eradicates lines and wrinkles. With more than 7 million treatments performed last year, Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world.

Why it’s done

Botox injections block certain chemical signals from nerves, mostly signals that cause muscles to contract. The most common use of these injections is to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes. Botox injections are also used to treat conditions that affect how the body functions. Examples include:

Cervical dystonia– In this painful condition, your neck muscles contract involuntarily causing your head to twist or turn into an uncomfortable position.

Lazy eye– The most common cause of lazy eye is an imbalance in the muscles responsible for positioning the eye.

Muscle contractures– Some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, can cause your limbs to pull in toward your center. In some cases, these contracted muscles can be relaxed with Botox injections.

Hyperhidrosis– In this condition, excessive sweating occurs even when the temperature isn’t hot and you’re not exerting yourself.

Chronic migraine– If you experience migraines more than 15 days a month, Botox injections may help reduce headache frequency.

Bladder dysfunction– Botox injections can also help reduce urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder.

Eye twitching– Botox injections may help relieve contracture or twitching of muscles around the eye.

Questions? We got Answers!

Botox is a neuromodulator (form of botulinum toxin type A) that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. It works by blocking the nerve signals needed for facial muscles to contract. It’s the repetitious contraction of facial muscles that causes expression lines and wrinkles. Once injected, the neuromodulator relaxes the muscles and decreases their movement to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area. You will see your results gradually over 3-7 days following injection.
Botox can be used to address lines and wrinkles on a number of different facial areas, including the forehead, eye area (crow’s feet), and lip lines. It may be injected to soften dimpling of the chin. Botox can also be injected into the muscles of the jaw to help alleviate pain from teeth grinding or TMJ or for a jaw slimming effect. Some of these treatment areas may be considered off-label.
Botox treatments are quick with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Many people get Botox during their lunch hours and are able to return to work right after their appointment.
The procedure is not considered painful. Most patients report a brief period of discomfort during the injection, which does not persist once the procedure is complete.
While the experience of each patient may differ, it usually takes 3-5 days to see the effects of Botox. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final effects.
The results of Botox typically last between 3-5 months from the date of injection. Over time the body metabolizes the Botox, leading to the slow return of muscle movement in the treatment area. Patients can choose to maintain their Botox results for longer periods by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments every 3-4 months.
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