A quick search on Google trends shows that the interest on the web for Botox is ever increasing, with more people searching it’s good to take advice on the safety, treatment and procedures for Botox. This blog post takes a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about this popular treatment.
Common questions and answers
What is Botox?
In Botox is one of the leading brands of botulinum toxin, typically used to treat the course and the signs of ageing, facial rejuvenation, excess sweating (hyperhidrosis) and gummy smiles.
What is it made of?
Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type a, it’s made from a bacteria which blocks nerve activity in the muscles causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity.
Is it safe?
When administered by professionals in measured doses Botox is safe. You should however avoid Botox if have:
- a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease], myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome).
- allergies to any botulinum toxin product
- had any side effect from any botulinum toxin product in the past
- a breathing problem, such as asthma or emphysema
- swallowing problems
- bleeding problems
- plans to have surgery
- had surgery on your face
- weakness of your forehead muscles, such as trouble raising your eyebrows
- drooping eyelids
- any other change in the way your face normally looks
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BOTOX® can harm your unborn baby.
- are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if BOTOX® passes into breast milk.
What is Botox used for?
Botox is typically used as an antiwrinkle treatment in the following areas:
- Forehead lines.
- Frown lines.
- Eyebrow reshaping.
- Bunny lines.
- Gummy smiles.
- Crows feet.
- Lip lines.
- Dimpled chin.
- Marionette lines.
- Platysmal bands.
How long does it last?
The effects of treatment will usually last between 4 and 6 months.
Does it hurt?
Any discomfort from the Botox is usually minimal and brief. Your practitioner may none the area to be treated prior to injecting the Botox. A cold pack or numbing anaesthetic cream may be used.
What does Botox feel like?
Botox won’t radically change your facial appearance, you won’t feel as though you have had a huge amount of work done and a full facelift. Botox works very specifically on just the muscles into which it has been injected. You will still be able to smile, laugh and frown after you have had Botox. The treatment usually lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Does Botox stop sweating?
Whilst Botox is not a miracle cure for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) it can have a dramatic effect and improve the symptoms immediately. The injections work by blocking the nerve action around the sweat glands located under your arms. The Botox is injected under your arms in a grid like pattern in a procedure which lasts approximately 30 minutes. The effects last between 6 and 12 months.
Does Botox wear off?
Yes, the effects of Botox wear off and you will be required to have top ups if you wish the results to continue.
How long does it take to wear off?
When used to treat facial lines and wrinkles Botox lasts between 4 and 6 months, it last a little longer, up to 12 months, if it is used to treat hyperhidrosis.
Does Botox stop blushing?
No, Botox does not help with blushing or hot flushes.
Does Botox lift eyebrows?
Yes. Our eyes and brows can be pulled down by the action of the muscles around our eyes. As we age this is exacerbated. Botox injections work by relaxing the muscles around your eyes and this results in a temporary inhibition of their movement and they no longer pull your eyes down.
What are the side effects?
Side-effects are rare but can include infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling and localised pain. An experienced Botox practitioner will be able to keep all of these to a minimum.
Can it be used for migraines?
Yes. Botox was approved for migraine use in 2010. Because migraines are often chronic the treatment is given every 12 weeks approximately, it takes around 15 min each time to give the injections. When your muscles contract they release a chemical, Botox blocks this release and prevents the contraction of these muscles, this causes the muscles to become less stiff and it is thought that it is these muscles which are sensitive to pain, because they are less stiff they are less painful.
Botox or fillers?
Botox and fillers are typically used in different ways. Botox blocks the nerve receptors which prevent muscles from moving, if the lines and wrinkles caused by this muscle movement in Botox will help. Fillers fill in deeper lines and crevices around your face, and typically these lines are not caused by muscle movement. Fillers and Botox may be used in conjunction to rejuvenate your face.