Botox Injections
|
|
Botox
treatments are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason.
In many cases, Botox is a very effective method for reducing
wrinkles.
Botox can be used to smooth wrinkles in the neck and face to create
a more youthful appearance. It is especially useful in the eye area.
Removing wrinkles from between the eyes can dramatically change a
person’s look from one of permanent anger or sadness to one of
contentment and restedness. It is also frequently used on the thin
wrinkles that surround the eyes (often called “crows feet”) and
the mouth, but can also be used in other areas, such as along the
chin and jaw.
The solution used in these treatments is made of botulinum A toxin,
a purified protein made from botulism bacteria. This solution
temporarily paralyzes nerves of the facial muscles so that they
cannot contract and cause wrinkles in the area being treated.
Botox may also be helpful in treating migraine headaches, and can be
used to decrease excess sweating of the palms and underarms.
If you’re considering Botox treatment, the following information
will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Botox treatments
are unique in that they can be used to remove dynamic
wrinkles -- the wrinkles that are produced by facial
movement. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
What
will happen at the initial consultation?
|
|
|
|
|
During the
consultation, you will have the opportunity to talk to your doctor
about the changes that you’d like to make in your
appearance. He/she will explain the different options
available to you, the procedure itself, and the risks and
limitations involved. He/she will also explain the kind of
anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Botox treatments
are brief and simple. First, the skin is treated with a
topical numbing agent, and you may be given a sedative as
well. Next, very small amounts of Botox are strategically
injected in different parts of the face. This is
accomplished with thin needles that cause very little pain. |
|
|
|
|
Go
to TOP
|
How
long do botox treatments take?
|
|
|
|
|
Depending on the
number of Botox injections needed, the treatment may take 10
to 30 minutes. |
|
|
|
|
Go
to TOP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Botox treatments
can be performed in the doctor’s office or in a surgical
suite. Anesthesia
is rarely needed, but sedatives and numbing agents may be
used. |
|
|
|
|
Go
to TOP
|
|
How much pain is there?
|
|
|
|
|
There is some
discomfort involved with the injections, but the discomfort
is slight. The feeling has been likened to an insect bite.
After the procedure, there is virtually no pain. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
|
What can I expect after botox treatment?
|
|
|
|
|
The results of Botox
treatment are generally visible within 3 to 5 days.
Although results vary, the results of an individual
treatment last for about 4 to 6 months. The procedure may be
repeated and, with each new treatment, the results tend to
last longer. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
|
What is the recovery period like?
|
|
|
|
|
You’ll probably
be able to return to work or home immediately after the
procedure. However, care must be taken to keep the head
upright and avoid massaging the treated area, so that the
Botox affects only the desired areas. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
|
What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
|
|
|
|
|
Most people are
very pleased with the results. For long-term results, the
procedure will most likely need to be repeated. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
|
How long do the results of botox last?
|
|
|
|
|
Although results
vary, the results of an individual Botox treatment last for
about 4 to 6 months. With each new treatment, the results
tend to last longer. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
|
Ideal candidate:
|
|
|
|
|
In general, the
best candidates for Botox treatments are:
- Wrinkles in the face or
neck
- Knowledgeable about the
procedure
- In good physical and
psychological health
- Wanting to improve their
appearance
- Realistic in their
expectations
- Not using marijuana or
anabolic steroids
- Not a heavy user of
alcohol
The above is only a partial list
of the criteria that your doctor will consider in
determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for
you. Be sure to ask your doctor if he/she considers you an
ideal candidate for this surgery. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
|
Other important information:
|
|
|
|
|
This procedure can
remove or deter wrinkles by preventing the repeated facial
expressions that contribute to their formation. It cannot
improve the overall texture of the skin, but procedures such
as laser
skin resurfacing and dermabrasion
can be used to accomplish this. It cannot tighten the facial
skin either. Look for face
lift and forehead lift for ways to accomplish this. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
|
Risks:
|
|
|
|
|
Mild bruising or
swelling may occur at the site of the injection. The
treatment may also cause a brief headache. In rare cases,
the injections may cause the eyebrow or upper eyelid to
droop, but this condition is temporary and corrects itself
without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. |
|
|
| Go
to TOP |
| |
