In the late 1980’s, Botox came on the market as the solution to achieving wrinkle-free skin and a youthful appearance. Since that time, the treatment is still widely used and satisfied clients have spread the word about this incredibly effective procedure.
If you are considering undergoing a Botox procedure, consult the following guide to ensure you have the best experience possible.
What is Botox?
Botox is made up of a protein that is extracted from the botulinum toxin. While this fact may give some patients pause, it’s important to note that this procedure has been safely performed with minimal side effects since its inception over 30 years ago.
Who Can Perform Botox?
There are a variety of clinicians who can legally perform Botox injections. However, you’ll want to strongly consider using an experienced dermatologist for your treatment. These professionals know how to properly perform the treatment in such a way as to minimize bruising and achieve the best results possible.
How Can Botox Be Used Cosmetically?
Botox is a versatile treatment for a variety of cosmetic conditions including:
- Crow’s Feet.
- Laugh Lines.
- Forehead Wrinkles.
- Neck Bands.
- And Many More.
Can Botox Be Used Therapeutically?
While Botox has rightfully earned its distinction as an excellent cosmetic treatment, it can also be used to treat a number of clinical conditions.
Botox can be used to address:
- Uncontrollable sweating of a body area is known as hyperhidrosis. This condition causes many issues for patients both in terms of daily function as well as simply being embarrassing. Botox can be directed into the nerves responsible for the excessive sweating and can ease the symptoms these patients experience.
- Very frequently, neurological conditions can result in what is known as spasticity, which is a specific kind of muscle tightness that isn’t under a patient’s voluntary control. Luckily, Botox can address the tight muscles caused by spasticity, thereby improving the patient’s function, decreasing their pain, and decreasing their disability.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJD is a painful condition of the jaw. When paired with other effective treatments such as physical therapy and/or medication, Botox can help to ease the pain caused by TMJD.
What Should I Know Before My First Botox Treatment?
Botox treatments typically last roughly 15 minutes. While some bruising and discomfort may occur after the treatment, generally these symptoms will resolve within a few days or a week. Your dermatologist will explain all of the risks of the procedure and will provide you with instructions for what to do before your appointment and for what to do afterward.
The effects of Botox become apparent a few days after the injection and tend to last for up to 6 months. At this point, you will likely need another injection to maintain the appearance you’ve obtained from the treatment, but you may not need to have as much of the Botox compound injected, as your body will be more efficient with its use of the Botox.
Are you ready to get your first Botox injection? Contact a qualified dermatologist today!