Botox: Purpose, Procedure, Risks and Results

botox

Tired of seeing crows feet every time you smile? Want to eliminate the dreaded forehead crease each time you frown? If you’re just tired of seeing the wrinkles on your face age you, then Botox is for you!

Wrinkles are like hiccups—annoying and inevitable. Skin serums and creams can provide minor tightening, but nothing smooths your skin like Botox . From ages 21 to 101, if you have fine lines and wrinkles, you can benefit from Botox.

The most common we use Botox is to reduce the appearance of face wrinkles. But getting Botox can help treat other areas such as:

  • Hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Masseters (Jawline area that causes teeth grinding, headaches, and teeth clenching)
  • Chin dimpling

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How Does Botox Work?

Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can’t contract. That makes wrinkles relax and soften.

Botox is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines.

botox for forehead wrinkles

How Is a Botox Treatment Done?

Getting Botox takes only a few minutes. Our aesthetic nurse practitioners use a small needle to inject Botox into specific muscles.

It generally takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect. It’s best to avoid alcohol starting before the procedure. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications 2 weeks before treatment to help prevent bruising.

How Long Does a Botox Last?

Botox will last 3 to 4 months. As muscle action slowly returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are shrinking. This is why repeated treatments over time will help decrease the look of wrinkles.

Botox in Pittsburgh
botox in Las Vegas

What Are the Side Effects of Botox?

You may have some temporary side effects after a Botox injection. These could include:

  • Bruising
  • Headache

Who Should Not Get Botox?

People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease shouldn’t use Botox.

At your appointment, your trouble areas will be evaluated and we will help assess how much Botox you will need and where. You will be assessed in a private room where you can share all your concerns and goals with your provider so you can create a plan together.

Your Certified Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner will draw up the Botox in front of you and then treat the chosen areas with small, targeted doses. Before injecting the Botox, your provider will remove any makeup from the areas being treated to ensure the area is clean. The injections take 5-10 minutes total and feel like a quick pinch. Most people share that Botox is painless and is a very quick procedure.

After being treated with Botox, you will see small little bumps that look like mosquito bites. This is absolutely normal and expected! This should go away within 30 minutes of your treatment once the Botox has settled. You may experience slight bruising at the injection site but that can be avoided by eliminating caffeine, alcohol and aspirin 24-48 hours pre-treatment. If you happen to experience some bruising, you can cover these areas up with makeup 24 hours post treatment.

Results can be expected within 7-14 days after treatment with Botox. Treatments last 3-4 months. Multiple rounds of treatment will allow for longer time between treatments in the future.

Avoid swimming, hot tubs, working out, or rubbing your face for at least 48 hours after treatment. Please view the full Post Treatment Instructions for more information. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease, or are taking blood thinners cannot be treated with Botox. We do not use Botox on anyone younger than 21 years old. Valid ID is required for treatment.

We have locations in Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, and Toledo), Las Vegas and Pittsburgh. Schedule a complimentary consult with us!

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