Botox Injections are simple, nonsurgical, professionally administered treatments that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in people 18-65 years of age. It is the only treatment of this type that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, botox injections may be a very viable solution for you. The Sibia Eye Institute performs botox injections in Boyton Beach, Lake Worth, and the Palm Beach county areas.
What is Botox
Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A), also known as botulinum toxin type A, is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. The botulinum toxin blocks nerve activity in the muscles and cause a temporary reduction in the movement of the dynamic muscles such as those that can cause frown lines.
How are Botox Injections Done
Botox procedures generally take place in a doctor’s office. Your doctor will use a very fine needle to inject the Botox into the targeted facial muscles. A topical anesthetic cream can be applied to your skin to lessen the sensation of the injections, you will need to discuss this option with your doctor before the procedure. A botox treatment takes just a few minutes and you can return to your daily activities immediately afterward.One 10-minute visit to the doctor, a few small injections, and in a few days’ time there is a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Although results vary, the effects generally last up to 4 months.
Benefits of Botox Injections
Botox treatment works best on wrinkles and fine lines that haven’t quite set yet. The injections temporarily reduce or eliminate frown lines, forehead lines, crows’ feet, laugh lines, and thick bands in the neck. Although less known, botox injections are known to treat muscle spasms through temporary paralyzation.
Before the Procedure
You are more likely to have bruising at the injection site if you take aspirin or ibuprofen before the procedure. These drugs thin the blood and can increase the bleeding that leads to bruising. Do not take these medications for two weeks prior to the injections. You should also inform your doctor of any supplements you are taking, because even natural supplements such as garlic, fish oil, vitamin E or ginkgo can thin the blood.
During the Procedure
Botox procedures are usually performed in a doctor’s office. The number of injections you receive will depend on factors such as the area being treated and the extent of wrinkling in that area.
After the Procedure
Although you should expect to resume your regular daily activities immediately after botox procedures, you should take care not to massage or rub the treated area. Doing so can cause the toxin to move to a different area. Soon after, you will feel a facial rejuvenation and have a more youthful facial appearance.
Risks and Side Effects of Botox Injections
While botox injections carry no risk of you contracting botulism, there are some side effects, such as pain and bruising at the injection site, headaches, and, in less than 1% of cases, drooping eyelids or eyebrows that return to their natural position within a few months. There is also a small chance of an allergic reaction.
Results
You should see the effects of a botox treatment in approximately three days and should notice a significant reduction of wrinkles and fine lines by the end of the first week. This timeline can be longer or shorter in some people, but most notice results within 14 days of the injection. The effects lesson over time and repeat injections can be given. Results can last for up to 4 months and may vary.
Recovery
Often called a lunchtime procedure, most people can return immediately to their daily activities without interruption. Botox injections do not require incisions, stitches, or bandages.
