We all want to maintain that youthful appearance of our 20’s- when we are graced with soft, smooth skin without the hint of a wrinkle or worry line. Unfortunately, age does catch up with us and we long for those days when eye cream and moisturizer slathered on for our nighttime, bedtime routine. Enter
Botox as an injectable has been used for years to help with the elimination of minimizing of facial lines and wrinkles. This may be the main purpose for individuals to receive the injections, but Botox can actually help relieve other symptoms as well such as:
• Chronic migraines
• Overactive bladder
• Hyperhidrosis (severe sweating)
• Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder resulting in severe muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders
• Blepharospasm- uncontrolled blinking
• Strabismus- eyes that point in opposite directions
These injections work by helping to block signals relayed from the nerves to the muscles. Because the muscles that were injected cannot contract, it forces these muscles to soften and relax making lines less noticeable, if not vanish. The process only takes a lunch break to perform, with the actual injection being a few minutes. No anesthesia is needed and there is only a slight discomfort in the specific muscles Botox was injected into through a needle. For the full effect of it to take hold it can range anywhere from 7 to 14 days. To help with this process your doctor may tell you to not drink alcohol at least one week leading up to the procedure, and to stay upright up to 4 hours after the injections.
The desired effects from Botox typically will last up to 6 months as the muscle actions slowly returns to normal and wrinkles may start to slightly reappear, but this time less severe as the muscles are shrinking. Although Botox is a wonderful tool and remedy to use to help with cosmetic appearance and the above mentioned disorders or symptoms, there are some side effects to having the injection. Talk with your experience team at Plastic Surgery Central Florida for they can help to make sure you are a good candidate and in good health to receive Botox injectables.
Side effects of Botox can include:
• Weakness in nearby muscles
• Crooked smile and/or drooling
• Eye dryness and/or severe tearing
• Eyelid drooping
• Headaches- typically rare and end within the first 48 hours.
• Bruising- usually the most common and will disappear
• Upset stomach
• The Flu or Flu-like symptoms
• Numbness
• Mild pain and/or swelling in and around the injection area
Considering these symptoms there are some individuals who should not seek Botox injection. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergies to cow’s milk protein, and those who have neurological disorder should refrain from receiving injectables. Another thing to consider and consult with your doctor is Botox is not covered by health insurance when used for cosmetic purposes. Plastic Surgery Central Florida is here to answer all your questions, make sure to call and schedule an appointment today!