Botox FAQ
If you are one of the millions of people each year considering Botox as a cosmetic or medical treatment, you’ll likely have a lot of questions. Read on to learn more about the most frequently asked.
What is Botox?
Botox is a drug made from a naturally occurring toxin that is produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. In its natural form in large doses, the neurotoxin is extremely dangerous. In small doses, administered by a trained professional, it has numerous side effects that can be beneficial to a person’s health and appearance.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works by targeting the nerves responsible for muscle contraction and causing them to become inactive. This means that the muscles cannot contract. Botox is injected into the targeted muscle through a needle and goes to work almost immediately.
What Are the Cosmetic Benefits of Botox?
Botox causes the muscles to relax, which has the effect of smoothing the skin and eliminating or reducing wrinkles and creases.
What Are the Medical Benefits of Botox?
Botox can treat several medical conditions by causing the muscles to relax. It is most commonly used to treat spastic muscles, lazy eye, or spasms in the bladder.
Is Botox Safe?
Botox is FDA approved and when administered by a licensed, trained professional is generally safe. Botox is a neurotoxin however and can cause damage if not administered properly. Therefore, it is very important to select the professional administering the procedure carefully.
Does Botox Have Side Effects?
Despite being generally safe, there are a few side effects that can happen from a Botox injection. The most common side effect is swelling, bruising, and redness. This is caused by the saline in the injection and typically goes away in a few days. In rare cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction or infection from the injection. Additionally, Botox generally remains localized to the area of the injection, but in some cases, it can migrate a few centimeters away. This can sometimes cause droopy or crooked eye lids or smiles following the injection.
How Long Does Botox Last?
In general, Botox can last up to 3 months.
Is Botox Painful?
Botox, the drug, does not cause pain. The shot can sting a little, like any other shot. This discomfort goes away very quickly. Everyone’s pain tolerance varies, so some may experience more discomfort than others.
How Many Botox Treatments are Needed to See Results?
You will see results from the Botox after the first treatment. Botox takes two to four days to begin taking effect, with the maximum effect happening about two weeks following the procedure.
Who Can Administer Botox?
Botox is a prescription drug and therefore must be administered by a physician or a physician’s designee. This means that a licensed professional can administer Botox. Because Botox is a neurotoxin, it is important to learn more about the physician’s skills and experience prior to having them perform the procedure.
How Do I Know if Botox is Right for Me?
Speak to your physician today if you are considering Botox. They will be able to assess your health needs and risks to determine if Botox is right for you.