Botox Injections
Botox, an injectable cosmetic treatment, reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that cause them. Containing a dilute form of botulism toxin, Botox causes controlled weakening and paralysis of these muscles. The skin over these muscles is able to relax, and the wrinkles are smoothed. Many patients find that Botox can dramatically improve the appearance of smile lines, frown lines, and other facial wrinkles caused by muscle movement.
Are you a good candidate?
Candidates include adult men and women who are in good overall health. You should not undergo Botox injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Most patients who undergo Botox injections because they are looking to reduce the signs of aging. It is often recommended as an alternative for facelifts, brow lifts, and other forms of plastic surgery. Some of the facial lines and wrinkles that can be treated with Botox injections include:
- Horizontal forehead creases
- Laugh lines (from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
Botox can be used on most lines caused by movement of the facial muscles. However, it is ineffective against those caused by sagging skin, gravity, or sun exposure. In addition to these cosmetic uses, Botox is also used to treat health conditions such as uncontrolled blinking.
Procedure
Botox is injected in the doctor’s office. Treatment does not require any type of anesthesia, although some doctors offer topical or local anesthesia upon request. Once the skin has been cleansed, the doctor will inject each targeted facial muscle with the Botox solution. The entire treatment session lasts less than an hour.
Following the Botox injection, the toxin contained in the solution blocks signals sent from the nerve to the muscle. As a result, they are unable to contract; it is this contraction that wrinkles the skin lying over the muscle. After Botox injections, the muscles relax, and the wrinkles become smooth.
Complications & Risks
Botox injections are relatively safe, if the procedure is performed by an experience doctor. However, as with all medical procedure, there are some possible complications. While rare, these are cause for concern. You should call your doctor if you experience:
- Muscle weakness in areas other than the treated skin
- Vision issues
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing
- Allergic reaction (itching, hives, chest tightness, severe swelling)
If the injected Botox migrates to other areas of the body, it can cause slight numbness or, rarely, signs and symptoms of botulism. Another risk of Botox injections is an unnaturally ‘frozen’ appearance due to paralysis of the muscles involved in facial expressions.
Recovery Time
Botox is known as a ‘lunchtime procedure’ because patients can return to their daily activities, including work, immediately. There are no incisions, sutures, or bandages required. Side effects are mild, and may include bruising, swelling, or redness around the injection site, as well as minor headaches. Patients must avoid laying down for four hours or rubbing the treated area for twelve hours, as this can cause the injected Botox to migrate to other areas of the body.
Most patients find that the results of treatment are visible for about four to six months. Gradually, the treated muscles regain their ability to contract, and the wrinkles reappear. Many patients choose to return for followup injections in order to maintain the results.
Botox Cost
The costs of Botox depend on your geographic region, the doctor chosen, the amount of Botox solution needed to achieve the desired results, and other factors. Different doctors in the same town may charge different fees for the same injections. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, each Botox treatment session averages about $500. When used for cosmetic purposes, Botox injections are not covered by health insurance. However, many doctors offer financing options and flexible payment plans to make Botox more affordable.