There is no shame in having wrinkles. As we age, the cruel effects of time come for us all. Some of us develop wrinkles, lose our hair, or undergo other aging processes. These things are a part of life.
But there is also no shame in wanting to achieve a more youthful appearance. If you want to reduce your wrinkles, you should! And one of the best ways to accomplish this goal is through Botox injections.
Botox is a safe, effective treatment for the reduction of wrinkles and the procedure has been utilized for over 30 years. In this article, we will detail some of the reasons why a person might choose to undergo Botox treatments and what to know before the first appointment.
Botox Can Be Used Cosmetically
Injections of Botox are commonly administered for cosmetic reasons. People who have laugh lines, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and a whole host of other areas that are showing signs of aging can benefit from Botox injections.
The science behind Botox is complicated, but has been perfected over the past three decades. Essentially, a protein found in botulinum toxin is extracted. This protein is then injected into an area of muscles and nerves that are overly tight. In response to the Botox injection, the muscles relax, allowing the skin overlying them to appear smoother and wrinkle-free.
Botox Can Be Used Therapeutically
While Botox is commonly prescribed for cosmetic reasons, it can also be used to treat a variety of clinical conditions.
- Botox is approved for the treatment of spasticity caused by neurologic conditions. The compound can help to alleviate muscle tightness found in many patients who have spasticity, leading to decreased muscle tightness and improved function.
- Excessive sweating of a body area is known clinically as hyperhidrosis. This condition is not only debilitating, it can also be embarrassing for patients. Luckily, Botox can help to reduce the severity of sweating in patients who suffer from hyperhidrosis by targeting the nerves that are overactive in the sweating process.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder refers to a variety of conditions that cause jaw pain. Botox has been used successfully in the treatment of these conditions and is often prescribed alongside physical therapy and other treatment methods.
What to Know Before Your First Botox Appointment
First and foremost, you’ll want to select an experienced Botox dermatologist for your first session. While most dermatologists perform the procedure, those that specialize in it will minimize the pain and bruising that can be a mild side effect of the treatment.
Once you’ve found the right provider for you and scheduled your appointment, you can expect the following during your treatment:
- The dermatologist and team will explain the procedure to you. The dermatological team will set you up in the treatment room and the doctor will explain exactly what you will experience during the procedure.
- You will be injected with Botox. After applying a pain-relieving cream, the dermatologist will inject the Botox into the appropriate areas.
- The office will provide you with discharge and follow-up instructions. The whole procedure takes about 15 minutes, then you will be instructed on when you should follow up with the dermatologist next.
