Botox Basics

Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a commonly found protein in the bacterium clostridium botulinum. It was initially used in the 1970s to treat strabismus (crossed eyes) and uncontrollable blinking due to its ability to restrict muscle contraction. Today, Botox injections are synonymous with eliminating wrinkles to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.

However common and trendy Botox treatments have become, the decision to get Botox or Dysport injections is still a medical one with risks of side effects or complications. These are very rare, but you should still review all risks and benefits when making a decision like this one. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about Botox treatments.

What Can Botox Do For You?

As you do your research, keep in mind that every person has unique skin, facial features, and aesthetic goals. While one treatment might have worked for your friend, you may need something different altogether. There are also medical applications, separate from cosmetic treatments. Let’s have a look.

Botox Can Reduce the Appearance of Dynamic Wrinkles

Botox is widely used for smoothing away wrinkles such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, smile lines and neck banding that are caused by making repeated facial expressions and by simply talking. Botox decreases muscle movement just enough to reduce or eliminate visible wrinkling, without interfering with your ability to fully express yourself.

Botox Can Treat Bruxism

Botox injected into the jaw helps alleviate chronic teeth clenching or grinding. Sleep bruxism afflicts approximately 8% of US adults and can leave those people with a sore jaw, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.

Botox Can Treat Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Botox works to calm the nerves that trigger sweat glands for people suffering from this condition that causes excessive sweating. Overactive sweat glands can be a serious disruption to daily life.

Physicians also use Botox to address an increasing variety of other health concerns, from migraines and arthritis to enlarged prostate. We don’t offer those services here at Raval Facial Aesthetics, but can certainly offer a referral.

What is a Botox Treatment Like?

Needle size matters when you’re getting an injection! We use only the thinnest needles available, along with a special Botox formulation developed by Dr. Jeff Raval. This allows us to inject smaller amounts of Botox more comfortably and with minimal risk of bruising. The injections feel like little pricks, but we can apply a numbing agent first if patients prefer. Treatments take only about 5 minutes, then you can go right back to your daily routine.

Botox Injection Risks

Botox is safe when it is performed by an experienced medical professional. Common side effects of any injection include localized swelling and bruising. If Botox is not injected properly, it can cause problems like uneven eyebrows, eyelid droop, crooked smile and excessive tearing. Although very rare, if botulinum toxin spreads to other body parts then it can cause muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing and vision problems.

Tips to Get the Most from Your Botox Experience

Research Your Provider

There are many providers who can illegally inject medications or cosmetic products who do not have the specialized training required for safe, successful injection of Botox or Dysport. Choose a doctor or aesthetic injector who has the medical knowledge, skill and experience to know exactly what they are doing. It’s your face!

Think Value, Not Just Cost

Sure, Groupon might be running a 50% off sale for Botox with a spa down the road. But is your appearance really something you want to get on sale? Safety, comfort and results all depend on who is doing your injections. And while Botox can shave years off your facial appearance, regular maintenance treatments are a must. Over time that cost can add up. ClubTOX memberships help our Raval Facial Aesthetics patients keep looking their youthful best and save money, too.

Plan Ahead

Injections can cause minor bruising and swelling, so if you want to freshen up your look for the annual holiday bash, you might consider scheduling that treatment at least a week in advance. Getting treatment just a couple of days before your party isn’t going to raise those eyebrows or erase those crow’s feet in time to look party-ready, because Botox can take up to 7-14 days to fully kick in. And just in case you experience some bruising, you’ll want to allow a couple of days for those to fade.