All About Botox Injections
Botox injections seem to be a necessity today since a lot of people want to get rid of lines on their faces in order to look younger and fresher. They say this kind of treatment helps boost their self esteem which in return makes them happier and satisfied. A lot of people who go through this kind of procedure are those who are in their late years because they are the ones who have visible lines around their eyes and forehead.
A Short History
An ophthalmologist introduced Botox during the late 1980s by using it as treatment for optic muscle disorders. Before it became popular, it was first approved by the FDA or the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 as a way to treat moderate to severe lines between the eyebrows. Since then, this kind of operation became very popular to the extent that it is consistently being ranked as one of the top five procedures for nonsurgical cosmetic treatments. Besides using it for glabellar lines, it can also be used on patients with frown lines, crow’s feet, and furrows that are found on the forehead.
What does Botox do?
In our body is a chemical named acetylcholine which causes the muscles to contract; when these muscles contract, they end up producing wrinkles. What this procedure does is that it blocks the release of this chemical, thus eradicating muscle contraction. Muscle contractions are prevented because the procedure paralyzes the muscles. After the treatment, results are immediate because they are visible within a week.
What are the steps for this kind of operation?
First, all the instruments are sterilized to make sure they are clean for the procedure. This is the reason why it is advised to avail of the service in a doctor’s office or a medical spa because it ensures cleanliness as well as accuracy. One should avoid going to a nail salon or botox parties at all costs.
The treatment starts with the application of local anesthesia or numbing cream. The doctor will then inject the botox using different injection points depending on the area to be treated. Each needle should be the appropriate one. The treatment can last for as short as a few minutes or a stretch of time depending on the extent of treatment necessary.
Are there side effects for this procedure?
Yes, some patients have reported a number of side effects after botox treatments. Among the reported side effects are headaches, flu-like symptoms, nausea, and pain and redness in the injection areas. Some patients reported that they suffered from muscle weakness after the treatment. Others experienced drooping of their upper eyelids after treatment, some lasting for months.
Who are qualified to go through this treatment?
Before going through this procedure, one must seek the advice of a doctor by going for a consultation. This consultation will determine whether you should be treated or not. Also, remember to check on the qualifications of the doctor performing the treatment. Certified plastic surgeons including dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons are allowed to perform this treatment.