What is Botox?
Botox is a very popular procedure that involves injections to relax the muscles in the face and other areas of the body. Botox works by blocking the area’s nerve impulses, helping immobilize the specific area that has been treated. Botox has been approved by the FDA as both a cosmetic procedure and a medical procedure that treats a variety of different conditions in multiple areas of the body. Botox only takes between twenty and thirty minutes and is often scheduled in for an early morning or lunch break treatment, since there is not much in terms of downtime and most patients can return to their regular routines with minimal interruption. Botox, which is a procedure that has been around for over forty years, is considered safe and simple, and is a very sought after procedure that can be combined with other injectables, such as fillers, to customize a treatment plan specifically for you.
What is Botox Used For?
Botox is used for a wide variety of reasons that are both medical and cosmetic. While Botox was originally created to help treat conditions such as cerebral palsy and nerve conditions, it has grown to become a popular cosmetic procedure as well.
The most popular use for Botox is to block the nerves in the affected area, which forces the muscles under the skin to relax, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. This can be used in the forehead, around the mouth and nose, and under the eye area. Many patients have seen that Botox can not only reduce the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles, but also actually prevent those wrinkles from forming again.
Botox also treats other conditions, such as migraines, muscle spasms, oily skin, neck lines, genital sweating, and Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botox essentially freezes the body’s sweat glands at the area of injection, preventing them from producing sweat.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox takes between seven and ten days for full results to present themselves, although most reach their full results much quicker than that. After treatment, Botox will typically last up to four months before another set of injections is needed. If you are happy with your results following your Botox injections, keeping them fresh can be done with regularly scheduled Botox injections to keep the results lasting longer.
Recovery After Botox Injections
For those interested in Botox, it is common to wonder what to expect after your treatment, as well as what the recovery is going to be like. Botox recovery time is minimal and does not require much downtime, if any at all.
When you go for Botox injections, it is important to remember that you must not lie down after treatment for at least four hours. Otherwise, Botox can spread to the muscles and cause problems. Also, do not visit a tanning bed and limit sun exposure for at least four hours after the injections are administered, as well. Blood thinning medications and alcohol should be avoided for at least a week prior to and after Botox treatments. Do not apply direct pressure to the injection area.
Side effects of Botox are minimal and include slight swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site. Muscle stiffness, which is temporary, is also common.
Risks of Using Botox
Botox has minimal risks associated with the procedure. Approved by the FDA, it is generally considered safe for both cosmetic and medical reasons. However, like any medical treatment, there are risks associated with it, and include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Infection of injection site
- Pain
- Rash
- Itching
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle paralysis
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Facial drooping or weakness
If you notice any of these symptoms, and they do not clear up within a few days after treatment, it is important to notify the doctor. Likewise, if you have extreme headaches, fevers, difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis that does not go away, or signs of infection, please inform your doctor immediately.
Why Choose Dr. Ghozland for Botox Injections
Located in the beautiful Santa Monica area Dr. Ghozland is a premier choice for Botox in Los Angeles. He is a GYN with over fifteen years of experience in vaginal reconstructive surgery, cosmetic procedures, and surgical procedures.
If you would like to learn more about Botox injections, and to find out if you would be an ideal candidate for the treatment, call the office of Dr. Ghozland today. A friendly and knowledgeable staff member will happily answer your questions and set you up for an appointment.
