What Is Botox?
Purpose, Procedure & Results
If you are wondering what botox is, you’ve come to the right place because we happen to know the answer!
First, picture this: One day, no different than the one before, you find yourself in front of the mirror, looking closer and closer, until you suddenly realize, “Are those fine lines around the eye area… crow’s feet?!”
At a certain point in life, nine out of ten people will surely go through some version of this situation, and that’s totally fine. Wrinkles reveal nothing else other than that we’ve been living our lives.
However, knowing that you’ve got options if you don’t like them is essential. One option to be precise: botox injection. That said, there’s a lot more to botox than simply cosmetics, as it is also commonly used to manage and reduce pain.
But, what is botox in the first place? What does it even do? Do botox injections actually work? How much does the treatment cost? Well, without further ado, let’s get right into business!
Beginner’s Guide: What Is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxins are produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, or C. botulinum, which can be found in plants, water, soil, and more.
Simply put, botulinum toxins are neurotoxins that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In high dosage, these toxins can affect nerves and cause muscle weakening and paralysis, which can last for several weeks or sometimes even months.
As scary as it may sound, when professionally administered (operative word: professionally), people get very small doses of botox injections and, thus, the treatment is completely safe.
How (or Why) Is Botox Used?
Now that we are on the same page about what botox is, it’s time to move forward to its uses. As said before, people might get a botox injection for both cosmetic or medical reasons. Let’s go over some of the most common ones:
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Migraines:
People that have severe headaches a month can get injections into specific areas of the head and neck muscles to relieve pain. Depending on the person and condition, the results may last around ten to twelve weeks. -
Muscle stiffness or spasticity:
Botox can also be used to treat stiffness of arms, legs, hands, and feet. This condition, also known as spasticity, is when there’s an increase in muscle tone, causing discomfort, pain, or even speech problems. -
Wrinkles:
Probably the most common (or known) use is to treat facial wrinkles. For a limited time, botox cosmetic injections can help smooth lines in different parts of the face, such as forehead, eyes area, neck, and more. -
Cervical dystonia:
Botox is also frequently used to treat adults with cervical dystonia. This medical condition can cause neck or shoulder muscles to contract or spam. -
Eye muscle issues:
Adults and children who are 12 years or more with certain eye nerve disorders can be treated with botox injections as well. Some of the conditions included are: eyelids spam, strabismus, and uncontrolled blinking.
Additionally, botox injections can help treat patients with excessive underarm sweating, overactive bladder issues, sciatica pain, osteoarthritis, jaw pain, and much more.
Whatever the case may be, the botox before and after is consistently amazing, pain-free, and safe, especially compared to other, more invasive cosmetic procedures. Just make sure to consult with a professionally trained specialist.
From A to Z: How Does the Botox Procedure Look Like?
The procedure is pretty simple, but here’s a short list of frequently asked questions to quickly get you on the right track:
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How long does it take to get botox injections?:
Only a few minutes, meaning you can go home the same day you receive the injections. -
Will I need anesthesia?:
Not at all. The professional will use a very small needle to inject botox, which means you will only feel minor discomfort if any. -
How long does it take to get the full effect?:
Generally, it takes around seven to fourteen days to get the full botox before and after results. People start noticing the desired results around the fourth day. -
How long do botox injections last?:
Botox effects will last three to six months. Muscle action will slowly return, as well as wrinkles, migraines or whatever you are treating will reappear. -
Pre-care recommendations:
It’s best to avoid alcohol at least one week before the treatment. Additionally, it’s also recommended to stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines two weeks before the treatment. -
Aftercare treatment:
It’s suggested to avoid rubbing or touching the injection area for 24 hours. It’s also recommended to stay upright for three to four hours after the injection. -
Side effects:
These will vary depending on the area you are receiving the treatment, and won’t last more than a day or two. Possible common botox side effects include cold symptoms, indigestion, redness or mild swelling, and eye irritation.
Cost of Botox Injections
As it usually happens in these cases, the cost of botox injections is going to depend entirely on the treatment, patient, and overall specific situation or need. However, treatments can range from $100 to $300 for one area.
Remember, though, that botox most likely won’t be covered by your insurance, at least if it’s for cosmetic purposes. We recommend consulting with your health insurance for coverage policies and treatment details.
Bottom Line: Talk with a Professional
“Whether it is for medical or cosmetic reasons, it’s important to highlight that we are talking about your health and body. So, make sure to check with a responsible specialist to make an informed decision about the treatment.”
If you are interested in getting botox injections, you can always drop us a line here at Complexion MedSpa & Aesthetics. We have a team of professionals that will make sure to provide you with a carefully crafted treatment that’s aligned with your personal situation, health needs, and goals.
