Is Botox A Botulinum Toxin Used To Treat Wrinkles?
What is Botox®?
Botox®, made from the botulinum toxin, is an extremely common aesthetic procedure used to reduce wrinkles and treat a number of medical conditions. According to MedlinePlus, “Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves.”
Seeing the word “toxin” may make some worry about the safety of this treatment. However, technicians sterilize the botulinum toxins in a lab when creating Botox® so it is safe for aesthetic use.
How Does Botox® Treat Wrinkles?
Not only is Botox® approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration, but this treatment has a history of positive results when it comes to reducing wrinkles.
But how does botulinum toxin, or Botox®, get rid of wrinkles and fine lines? As explained by the American Family Physician, “Wrinkles are formed by dermal atrophy and repetitive contraction of underlying facial musculature. Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin that inhibits release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Injection of small quantities of botulinum toxin into specific overactive muscles causes localized muscle relaxation that smooths the overlying skin and reduces wrinkles.”
More specifically, patients usually get Botox® to relax the muscles, and hence, treat wrinkles in the following areas:
- Forehead
- Crow’s feet
- Lips
- Jaw
- Neck
- Cheeks
Additionally, it is safe to combine with other services and treatments to reduce facial wrinkles, scarring and sagging. These include:
- Fillers
- Microderm+ Oxygen Facial
- PH Microneedling+Radio Frequency Treatment
What Other Uses for Botox® are There?
While Botox®, or the use of botulinum toxin, is known to be highly effective at treating wrinkles and fine lines, there are a number of other uses practitioners have found for this treatment.
Outside of giving patients a flawless face, practitioners also use Botox® to:
- Control spasms
- Reduce/ eliminate sweating
- Reduce/ eliminate headaches and migraines
- Reduce urinary incontinence
- Reduce/ eliminate Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
If you are seeking out Botox® to help with a medical concern, like the previous examples, consult with your practitioner first to determine if it is the right treatment option.
How Can I Prepare for Botox®?
While Botox® is a very common and safe outpatient procedure, there are some things you should (and shouldn’t) do before your treatment to ensure safety and optimal effectiveness. As with any procedure, let your practitioner know what medications you take, as some medications can result in bruising at the injection site. Try to avoid taking (or at least let your practitioner know if you took) any blood thinners or NSAIDS, like Ibuprofen. Also try not to drink any alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment as it can increase bruising and redness.
How Often is Botox® Needed?
While the muscle relaxation effects of botulinum toxin are not permanent and do wear off, how often you need these injections will depend on what areas/ problems are being treated and on you as an individual. A good standard timing for Botox® treatments is about every 3 months, but again, talk to your practitioner to know what best practices are for the area being treated.
What are the Side Effects of Botox?
While Botox® is an extremely common and safe noninvasive procedure, it is possible to experience some slight side effects afterwards. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the side effects of Botox® are:
- Bruising, swelling, and pain
- Crooked smile or eyebrows
- Headache
- Flu symptoms
- Dry eyes
- Infection
If you are experiencing any of the above post Botox® treatments, while it’s very normal, feel free to contact your practitioner with any concerns. If you are experiencing side effects more serious than the above, reach out to your practitioner right away.
Where is Botox® in Texas?
If you are in the Houston, Texas area, and are looking to reduce wrinkles with Botox®, look no further than Dr. Natalie Drake. All injectors at Practice Happiness Med Spa are experienced injectors and ready to help you look and feel your best. Call Practice Happiness today to set up your appointment!
Book Your Botox® Consultation Today! (346) 298-7880