Botox: How It Works and What to Expect

Botox is a compound that numerous cosmetologists use to handle facial creases and wrinkles. In detail, it is a toxin made using clostridium botulinum. It is safe and effective to use in minimal amounts. In large amounts, it can lead to botulism. Therefore, it's always important to have a trained professional administer Botox. 

 

How It Works

Once you receive the injection, it starts by blocking certain nerves that make your muscles contract. The dose relaxes your muscles reducing the wrinkles and creases on your face. Before receiving the first injection, your doctor or ophthalmologist will rub some cream on your face. This anesthetic cream helps numb the area that the doctor intends to inject with the toxin.

 

Next, they will use a small syringe to inject small doses of the medicine into different facial muscles. You will need approximately three to five injections of type A botulinum toxin. The normal target areas of Botox injections are between your eyebrows and on the sides of each of your eyes.

 

You will get one injection between your eyebrows and three on the flank of each of your eyes. This procedure is simple for the ophthalmologist. Some perform the procedure in their offices without the need for an operating room.

 

Length of Time of Botox Shot

After receiving all the Botox injections, the effects of the toxin begin to wear off from the third to the sixth month. During this time, the action of the muscles on your face will slowly begin to return. This means that the lines and wrinkles will reappear. You may opt for follow-up treatment of Botox if you want.

 

What to Expect Before the Treatment

Before receiving your first treatment, you need to go through a consultation. During the consultation, your doctor will need to know your medical history. This helps them to confirm if you are fit enough to receive the treatment. You can also ask any questions on what you may need clarification on. It is not advisable to have the procedure when pregnant. It is best to schedule it well after giving birth.

 

What to Expect During the Treatment

The Botox treatment procedure is short and may take approximately 20 minutes. The specialist will review all the points concerning the treatment. This includes the amount of Botox you will receive and the areas that require treatment. After marking the areas to inject, they will apply a mild cleanser and numbing cream, if need be. Next, they will inject Botox into your facial muscles using a narrow micro-needle. After each injection, they will apply pressure with ice to discourage swelling.

 

What to Expect After the Treatment

Botox treatment requires little to no recovery period, meaning that you can return to your daily routine after the procedure. Around a week after treatment, you may start seeing some changes in your face. However, there are some guidelines your doctor will give you that you must follow. The guidelines help you avoid side effects and damage after treatment. Some of these guidelines include:

 

• Wait four hours before lying down after treatment
  
   

• Do not rub the treated areas even though they may itch
  
   

• If you work out or do strenuous work, wait for 24 hours before engaging in them
  
  
   

Do you want to know more about Botox? Book an appointment with The Center of Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at any of our offices in Destin, Panama City Beach, or Navarre, Florida. Call (850) 810-0300, (850) 810-0600, or (850) 409-6400 to speak to any of our professionals.