Many people are familiar with Botox, a type of neurotoxin widely used in treating the appearance of wrinkles. “BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe forehead lines, crow’s feet lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows in adults.” -Botox official website

Injectable Botox has been approved by the FDA since 2002 and has evolved to the number one seller of its kind nationwide, as it is widely used in almost 100 countries. The community of patients that continue to choose BOTOX® Cosmetic rapidly increase, as more find consistent results in the widely researched product.

Botox is an injectable drug made from botulinum toxin type A. This toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox is clinically proven to be safe for specific age groups, as it is expertly created in laboratories where it is prepared to be injected in small, focused quantities.

When injected into the target area, Botox works by preventing specific muscles from having the ability to contract. It does this by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. Specifically, it works by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which results in muscle paralysis that lasts for a few months. Botox can relax the muscles that lead to crow’s feet, “eleven” wrinkles or glabellar lines found in between the eyebrows, and forehead creases, which it is predominantly known to treat. It is possible to receive treatment for crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles at the same time. It is a simple, same day procedure administered through injection.

Botox can also be used to treat underlying muscular problems such as chronic migraines, eye twitching, overactive bladder, excessive sweating, and cerebral palsy, among other conditions.

Side Effects of Botox

While Botox serves as an effective and safe treatment, there are potential side effects, as there are with everything. It’s important to note if Botox is not the right fit for you. At your free consultation, your history will be thoroughly discussed so the doctor can offer her professional opinion as to whether or not Botox is a suitable treatment for you.

• Discomfort at injection sight
• Dry mouth
• Pain, swelling, bruising, fever, chills
• Loss of strength, muscle weakness
• Dizziness, vision problems (double-vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, swelling of eyelids, dry eyes, drooping eyelids)
• Trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing. According to the official Botox website, patients at the highest risk of all negative symptoms are those who have pre-existing conditions.
• If you experience severe symptoms, refrain from driving a car, operating machinery, or engaging in any dangerous activities.

Is There Any Reason I Shouldn’t Get Botox?

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox, you should not receive a Botox treatment. Active ingredient: onabotulinumtoxin A Inactive ingredients: human albumin and sodium chloride

It’s also essential to be honest about any and all medications and/or supplements you are taking. When specific medications are combined with Botox, there may be adverse effects.

• Blood thinners
• Muscle relaxants
• Sleeping aids
• Allergy medications
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• John’s Wort
• Vitamin E
• Fish or Omega-3 oils
• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng

How Long Does it Last?

The toxin on average lasts for 3-6 months, with regular injections for maintenance. Over time you will require injections that are spread across longer stretches of time since they will only be used for maintenance.

What to Do Immediately After Botox?

• Avoid taking any blood thinners
• Keep your head level and do not bend over for the first two hours after treatment
• Avoid exercise for at least six hours or until the following day

When You’re Ready For Botox

During your consultation, you and the doctor will engage in a thorough one-on-one to determine the best and most effective course of action that takes into account all of your needs and preferences. At Reveal Image Aesthetics, we can assure that we will provide you with realistic expectations, help you feel like part of our family, and take our time with you to learn about all your unique fine lines and facial creases. Sometimes, Dr. Salcedo will recommend Botox in combination with other treatments, depending on factors that will be determined during your one-on-one. Keep in mind that the maintenance of Botox may vary anywhere from two to four treatments per year.

We look forward to the development of your individualized treatment plan.

Xo,

Reveal Image