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What are the common benefits of Botox Cosmetic?
The most common benefit of Botox is the reduction and smoothing of vertical grooves between the brows. It is also used to minimize furrows in the forehead and "crow's feet," as well as other creases on the face and neck. Because the muscles are unable to contract, Botox may actually prevent new wrinkles from forming. Other benefits are that only the injected areas are effected and results are often seen within 24 – 48 hours.
Another possible benefit is that the botulinum toxin does not stay in the body indefinitely, so if there is an adverse effect, or a mistake made, it is only temporary. There is also the likely possibility that with frequent treatments, the injected muscles will atrophy allowing the patient to go longer and longer between
How is Botox performed?
Botox is a simple, non-surgical procedure. The doctor will have you contract the muscle area to be treated so he/she can determine appropriate injection sites. Then targeted injected areas may be numbed with an ice pack or a topical numbing agent. No anesthesia will be used. Finally, the doctor will administer several tiny injections of Botox directly into the muscle. Only the injected areas will be "paralyzed."
How long is the procedure?
The length of the procedure depends on the number of injections needed as determined by the doctor. Still, it is reasonable for the procedure to be completed within 10-30 minutes.
What, if any, hospital stay is required?
Because the procedure is non-surgical and often done right in the doctor's office, there is no hospital stay required.
How much pain is there?
The pain associated with this procedure is due to the injections, but it is generally minimal and brief. Some patients have likened it unto a "bug bite" or "prick". Pain can be reduced by proper injection techniques and by numbing proposed injection sites with a cold pack or anesthetic cream.
What can I expect afterwards?
Improvement in wrinkles is usually noticeable within 24 – 48 hours after the injections, and the patient may continue to see the wrinkles diminish up to one week after the procedure. There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection sites. You will not look 20 years younger, but you may find that you look more natural and relaxed or less sad and angry. In fact, a small number of patients reported no noticeable difference in the reduction of their wrinkles.
What is the recovery like?
Because the procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, it is highly likely that the patient can return to normal activities immediately. However, to avoid spreading the toxin to other muscles, patients should not rub or massage the area injected and remain upright for many hours. Physical activity should also be limited for a time.
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