What Is Botox?

If you’re looking for a way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face, you may want to consider Botox®. But what is Botox? In this article, we’re going to take a closer look!

Botox is the brand name of a toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a common non-surgical cosmetic procedure, so common in fact that 6 million treatments are administered each year! Simply put, Botox can be used to reduce crow’s feet and fine lines by paralyzing the underlying facial muscles. Some people also consider Botox to treat migraines, excessive sweating, and even bowel disorders. Botulinum toxins are currently approved for a variety of therapeutic applications. Some of these include:

  • Chronic headaches or migraines
  • Spasm of the eyelids or Blepharospasm
  • Excessive sweating
  • Bladder overactivity which can lead to urinary incontinence
  • An overactive bladder
  • Crossed eyes or strabismus
  • Glabellar lines (these are the lines that appear between the eyebrows)
  • Canthal lines, also known as crow’s feet
  • Uncontrollable blinking
  • Nerve disorders like a spinal cord injury
  • Severe neck spasms

How Long Does Botox Take To Start Working?

Botox is a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure that doesn’t take long to administer. In fact, most Botox appointment will only take about 10 minutes (this can vary depending on where you are having it done). Some studies show that the results of the procedure don’t start showing for 24 to 48 hours. Many people who use Botox to treat fine lines and wrinkles experience noticeably smoother skin with one week after the procedure.

What Should I Expect During My Botox Appointment?

If you’ve scheduled a Botox appointment, you may be wondering what to expect. When you first arrive at the Botox facility, your assigned medical professional will ask you to sit on the exam table in a relatively raised position. The areas that you wish to target (whether it be the crows feet on the side of your face or your armpits for excessive sweating), will be cleaned with a non-alcoholic cleanser first. Your physician may also decide to apply a topical anesthetic to the area of the body to reduce any discomfort during the procedure.

Once the procedure is complete, the physician may ask you to lay upright on the exam table for a few minutes to make sure you feel alright. You should avoid laying down for two to four hours, and we highly recommend taking an aspirin after the procedure to keep the bruising to a minimum.

What Are The Side Effects Of Botox?

If you start to notice signs of an allergic reaction during your Botox treatment, seek medical attention right away. Difficulty breathing, hives, and the swelling of the lips and throat may occur. Be sure to call your doctor if you notice any of the additional side effects listed below:

  • Heavy, drooping eyelids
  • Severe muscle weakness
  • Uneven heart beats (too fast, too slow)
  • Pain in the chest
  • Vision issues
  • Nausea and diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or loss of appetite
  • Dizziness or drowsiness

Botox Professionals in Nashville

If you live near Nashville and you’re interested in scheduling a Botox appointment, contact the professionals at [primary_practice] today. Our Botox beauty treatments can help to improve your lip contour and smooth vertical lines on the face for a beautiful, more youthful appearance. Our skincare experts are well versed in the benefits of Botox, and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure. We also specialize in laser treatments, waxing, micro-needling, and more. Check out some of our skincare products online or contact our specialists today to schedule an appointment.