Botox: 5 Reasons To Consider This Treatment

At Thaxton Plastic Surgery, Botox is one of our most popular treatment options. Non-invasive and fast, Botox and baby Botox can be a great, easy way to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. If you’ve been on the fence about Botox, here are a few facts that might entice you to try this cosmetic procedure.

Botox Has Been Used For 20+ Years

Botox originally received FDA approval back in 1989. Back then, it was used to treat eye disorders such as strabismus. After many years of study, Botox was approved as a cosmetic treatment in 2002. Today, Botox also is approved as a treatment for some types of migraines, to reduce excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) as well as overactive bladders and several other health issues.

Botox is derived from a botulinum toxin, and while this toxin can be dangerous in large amounts, in the smaller doses we use, it is harmless. Injections of botulinum toxin are used to block nerve signals from certain facial muscles. When these nerve signals are blocked, the muscles don’t move, which lessens the appearance of wrinkles.

As stated above, Botox has been used by millions of people and only 36 people have ever had an adverse allergic reaction to this injectable since its FDA approval in 1989. The dose we use for cosmetic Botox is also a lower dose than what is needed for medical treatments.

The Side Effects Are Mild

While Botox is very safe, there are a few mild side effects that sometimes occur. Most commonly, some Botox patients experience tenderness at the injection site and mild swelling or bruising also can occur. This typically abates in just a few days but applying ice packs and avoiding alcohol and exercise for a day or so usually will reduce swelling or bruising.

Occasionally, people report that they experience dry mouth for a couple of days after the Botox injections. Some people experience flu-like symptoms or nausea after treatment, although this is rare and tends to go away in about a week or so.

Botox Can Address Many Common Issues

Eliminating frown lines and forehead lines are two of the most common reasons why people opt for Botox and baby Botox. It also can be used to smooth out crow’s feet. Some people mistakenly believe that Botox can treat smile lines, but we don’t treat wrinkles in this area with Botox as this would eliminate your ability to smile.

If you want to address lines around your mouth and nose, we have several other minimally-invasive procedures to consider. Juvéderm, for instance, is a dermal filler than can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in areas where we wouldn’t want to use Botox.

Botox Is A Quick Procedure With No Downtime

If you want a quick way to improve your look, Botox can be one of the fastest options. The procedure itself takes just a few minutes and requires no downtime, although we do recommend that you avoid exercise for a couple of days to reduce any swelling.

It’s also best to avoid alcohol for a few days before and after Botox injections, as well as avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines. These medications should be avoided for a week before the treatment. Please let the doctor know all of the medications and supplements you are taking prior to your Botox injection.

You should see the effects of Botox about 3-5 days after the procedure. In some cases, you could notice an improvement more quickly, or it could take perhaps up to 10 days to see the full effects. For deeper lines and wrinkles, you may need a few treatments to achieve optimum results. These treatments should be spaced about three months apart.

Botox results typically last for about 3-4 months. We recommend scheduling treatments about every three months to ensure the best results. Moisturizing your skin, staying hydrated and avoiding sun exposure can prolong the results of Botox, as can quitting smoking and reducing stress. One study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology also reported that taking 50 milligrams of zinc also may help extend the results of your injections.

For Best Results, Botox Should Be Administered In A Doctor’s Office

One issue that many people worry about with Botox is ending up with drooping eyelids or perhaps an unnatural appearance. While these issues can occur, this is more an “operator error,” than an actual Botox issue. Only experienced healthcare providers, such as plastic surgeons, should be providing you with Botox injections.

Whether you come into our offices or go somewhere else, we highly recommend that you opt for a qualified professional rather than heading to a day spa or another facility for Botox. With an experienced medical professional, the results will be more natural, and you will lessen your risk of issues such as drooping eyelids. Additionally, when you opt to have Botox done in a doctor’s office, this ensures that you will receive the legitimate medicine and not unregulated Botox substitutes.

Botox Vs. Baby Botox

You may have heard of baby Botox or micro-Botox as an alternative to traditional Botox injections. With baby Botox, we use less of the toxin than we do with a regular Botox treatment. The results tend to be more subtle and natural, but again, opting for a qualified professional can ensure that either full Botox or baby Botox provides you with the results you want.

Baby Botox can be a great option for a person that is a bit hesitant to try Botox, as we do use only a minimal amount of the toxin. The results also are less pronounced, which is what some patients prefer. However, it is important to note that the effects of baby Botox won’t last as long as traditional Botox.

Book An Appointment Today

If you would like to schedule a Botox or baby Botox treatment, give us a call at any time to set up an appointment. We also can provide you with lip fillers, Juvéderm, dermaplaning, Latisse, facials, chemical peels and many other treatments that will help you look and feel your best. With the holidays fast approaching, we’d also like to mention that we do offer gift certificates and Botox or our many other treatments can make an excellent gift.