About Botox
Botox Cosmetic Injections
What is Botox?
Botox Cosmetic is actually a neurotoxin that blocks the electrical signals from the nerves to muscles. Muscle movement is weakened as a result of the Botox Injections. This effect is temporary and wears off after 3-4 months. Botox is injected into muscles that cause headaches, spasms, and wrinkles. Botox Cosmetic is most commonly used for wrinkles, however.
How does Botox relax wrinkles?
The muscles of facial expression will cause wrinkles perpendicular to their repeated movement. The frown muscles pull the central brow inwards towards the bridge of the nose. So the result is the vertical lines, the ’11s’ we see perpendicular to these muscles. So the goal of Botox injections is to relax these muscles enough so the wrinkles will fade and not worsen. So Botox is not only a treatment for wrinkles but a preventative. More Botox will be required for really deep lines & wrinkles. Filling these lines will require Botox and dermal fillers like Juvederm to help smooth them. Placing Restylane and Juvederm into the wrinkles without Botox will allow the muscle to create a new line in the filler itself. So Botox and Juvederm and fillers go hand in hand to treat and prevent wrinkles.
How long does Botox work?
Botox Cosmetic takes one to two days to see some effect and up to two weeks to see the full effect. It is important to wait the full 2 weeks for effect before following up with your injector. Gradually, over the next 3-4 months, your body will build new receptors and the muscle action will return. The trick is to return for another Botox injection when you notice about 50% of the muscle action returning. When you treat the muscle in this weakened state, it tends to prolong the effect of the Botox. Sometimes it may last for 5-6 months.
Do Botox Injections Hurt?
When properly administered, Botox injections are almost painless. A very small needle designed for daily use by diabetics is used. The entire procedure shouldn’t last for more than 5 minutes and all you should feel is a couple of small sticks. Botox Injections will cause very small bumps that should resolve within 20 minutes. There is no residual pain after the procedure.
Is Botox Cosmetic Safe?
For a drug that has been around more than 10 years and injected into more than 11 million patients, Botox has a remarkable safety profile. When handled and injected properly, there is almost no incidence of Botox side effects. Besides some bruising, most side effects are extremely rare. A droopy eyelid can result from Botox injections that drift. The good thing is that this is temporary and resolves on its own after a few weeks.
What are the Botox Alternatives?
To treat facial wrinkles due to facial muscles there is no substitute for neurotoxins. Botox Cosmetic is the original and injectors have the most experience with it. There are some competitors now like Dysport and Xeomin. They are neurotoxins like Botox Cosmetic based on botulinum toxin. They may hold some small advantages of speed of onset, longevity, and price. However Botox Cosmetic is still the gold standard for neurotoxins.
What is the Botox Cost?
The Botox price varies widely. Allergan, the maker of Botox sells vials of Botox to all providers at the same price. Purchasing Botox by the unit instead of the area is preferable. This ensures you know how much Botox you are actually receiving. Beware of sales that appear to sell Botox way below market value. Unless they are giving away money, they are usually selling Botox from Canada or somewhere else abroad. This is illegal and dangerous. Check the Allergan website and verify your injector is receiving Botox Cosmetic from Allergan. Most practices have legitimate Botox Specials throughout the year.
Why does Botox not work for me or just doesn’t last as long as it should?
Well, the first thing to consider is if enough Botox Cosmetic was injected into the right place. If you receive too little Botox, muscle action will return sooner than 3-4 months. If the proper muscles are not injected, you may not get the effect you desired. Some patients just metabolize Botox very quickly. Another neurotoxin like Dysport or Xeomin may be worthwhile to try. A well-trained injector can help you figure out why your Botox didn’t work.
Should I have my Botox Cosmetic only injected by a Physician?
Acquiring the skills for Botox injections takes training and experience. The best injectors have the basic training and experience to give you the desired results while avoiding any side effects. The best injectors also have the time and patience to listen to your needs and perform the procedure appropriately. If this is a physician or allied health professional under a physician’s supervision, it’s your choice. But we all know how much time and patience most physicians have. Experience with injecting Botox is critical for good results.
I have a lot of wrinkles and sun damage, will Botox Cosmetic help me?
It’s helpful to look at Botox and fillers like Juvederm and Restylane as paint and your face as a canvas. If the canvas is in bad shape it doesn’t matter how well you paint, you will still get a bad painting. You need to improve the canvas before you start painting. Methods to improve the canvas include laser resurfacing, topical retinoids and growth factors, Microneedling, and chemical peels. These procedures will improve the texture and elasticity of your skin and then allow better results from the Botox and fillers. Your injector can assist you to determine the treatments you will need and the order to do them.
How does Botox help excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis is a condition where sweat glands are overactive causing an excessive amount of perspiration. Botox can block the nerve signals to the overactive sweat glands. The most frequently affected areas Botox is injected, include the armpits, hands, and feet. The effect takes several weeks to work and can last up to 6 months. For many patients, this is a life-changing procedure.
More About Botox Austin TX
Botox Specials Austin TX
Beleza Medspa is Botox Allergan Diamond practice meaning it injects more Botox and Juvederm than 95% of the practices in the United States.