Botox

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 won’t help with wrinkles caused by sun damage or gravity.

How Is Botox Used?
The most common reason doctors use Botox is to reduce the appearance of face wrinkles. But getting a Botox shot can help treat other conditions, such as:
• Severe underarm sweating  (hyperhidrosis)
• Cervical dystonia , a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms
• Blinking that you can’t control (blepharospasm)
• Eyes  that point in different directions (strabismus )
• Chronic migraine
• Overactive bladder

How long does Botox last?
In general, Botox lasts 3-4 months. There will certainly be patients in which in lasts longer, in that 4-6 month range, or shorter, in that 2-month range. It is also common for first-timers to notice that it may not last as long initially but may last longer after the second treatment.

How Is a Botox Procedure Done?
Getting Botox takes only a few minutes. You won’t need anesthesia. The provider uses a small needle to inject Botox into specific muscles with only minor discomfort.
It generally takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect. It’s best to avoid alcohol  starting at least 1 week before the procedure. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications 2 weeks before treatment to help prevent bruising.Avoid rubbing the injection site for 24 hours so you don’t spread the Botox to another area. Your doctor may also tell you to stay upright for 4 hours after the shots and to take a day off from exercising .

What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
You may have some temporary side effects after a Botox injection. These could include:
• Bruising. This is the most common side effect and will go away.
• Headaches . Typically, these are rare and end in 24 to 48 hours.
• Eyelid drooping. This happens with only a small percentage of people and usually goes away within 3 weeks. It usually happens when the Botox moves around, so don’t rub the treated area.
• Crooked smile or drooling
• Eye  dryness or severe tearing
• Mild pain  or swelling around the injection site
• Flu -like symptoms or a general unwell feeling
• Upset stomach
• Numbness
• Weakness in nearby muscles
Who Should Not Get Botox?
People who are pregnant , breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease shouldn’t use Botox. Because Botox doesn’t work for all wrinkles, check with a doctor first.
You shouldn’t have Botox shots if you’re allergic to cow’s milk protein.