Botox is one of the most popular treatments for wrinkles available in the United States, and yet, there is a stigma about its use.

Much of the information that many people seem to think about Botox may not actually be true. For instance, did you know that Botox is used for more than just wrinkle treatment?

Have you considered getting Botox, but aren’t sure if it is right for you? Knowing more about the treatment may help you make your decision.

To get some of your burning questions answered, such as how long does Botox last or is Botox safe to use, keep reading below.

Main Reasons to Get Botox

Typically, when you hear of someone getting Botox, you will automatically think that they are getting the treatment done to eliminate wrinkles.

While this is a very common reason for someone to obtain Botox treatment, it is not the only problem that Botox can solve.

Other issues that people might get Botox for include:

• Excessive sweating
• Overactive bladder
• Neck spasms
• Chronic migraines
• Lazy eye
• Twitching eyes
• Muscle contractures

Botox is safe to use in a variety of areas on the body, not just your forehead! If you want to get more information on how it treats other issues, speak with your doctor about whether Botox may be a good treatment option for you.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox is a neurotoxin that, as we have explained, has many different clinical purposes.

It is produced from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This same toxin causes serious food poisoning.

However, Botox is safe to use and will affect the body in different ways depending on how it is exposed to you. This includes the amount used and the method of getting it into your body.

Botox works by invading your nerve cells and releasing an enzyme, which binds with specific protein sites. This makes it impossible or very difficult for muscles to contract.

Since the muscles aren’t able to contract in the way that they normally would, the appearance of your skin is smoother.

Because Botox is made up of a type of toxin, it is not going to be a permanent solution. People that use this treatment will need to obtain regular injections over time to continue reaping the Botox benefits.

How Long Does it Last?

The average patient will find that they will get full motion of muscles treated with Botox back in about 3 months. This means your muscles are no longer as relaxed as they were before and are able to move, and wrinkle, as they did before.

Within 3 to 6 months, the patient will need to have the muscle treated with Botox again to restart the process. Because of how long Botox lasts and since Botox is not permanent, the patient can continue to do this as often as necessary with the help of their doctor.

It’s important to note that there are patients that may develop resistance to Botox over a period of time. If this happens, the patient has the option to switch to Xeomin.

Xeomin has the same ingredient in it to block nerve activities when expressions on the face are formed.

Both Botox and Xeomin have been FDA approved and Xeomin can be a good treatment alternative for patients that are unable to use Botox.

How Often Can You Get Treatments?

For almost all patients, getting Botox treatments done as soon as the effects start to fade is standard practice.

This means that your wrinkles will not get worse if you have back-to-back treatments completed.

Because you don’t have to wait long between treatments, the effects of the previous treatment won’t fade before the next treatment.

One of the great things that people often don’t realize is that Botox or Xeomin can train your facial muscles, over a period of time, to contract less without their aid. This doesn’t happen with everyone, but it is possible.

If this starts to happen, the length of time between treatments can be extended and you will still experience the same results.

Remember, however, that your muscles will eventually go back to how they were before, so Botox is still needed in either case to retain the same results.

Does Botox Really Freeze Your Face?

Botox will ease and relax the muscles that cause wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles, which are usually those found around the eyes or on the forehead, are created by years of expressing emotions. Botox helps to get rid of these wrinkles by helping the muscles involved in expressing emotion become more relaxed.

Botox injections can limit the range of motion for these muscles as a result. As you can imagine, too much Botox can make your face look a bit stiff.

However, a highly trained professional will know the proper amount of Botox to give you and, as a result, you will not have a “frozen” face. You will still be able to have facial expressions, but the dynamic wrinkles will be less likely to worsen.

Does it Take Effect Right Away?

You will see slight results instantly with Botox, so even though it may not last forever, you get to experience the benefits right away.

For most patients, it will take at least 3 weeks for you to see the maximum results.

Keep in mind that Botox is not a filler, so it does take time to settle in and actually start relaxing your muscles. You will want to give it at least a few days before determining how well the Botox treatment has taken to your muscle.

Is Botox Safe for Everyone?

Because of the fact that Botox is a toxin, it can be dangerous. In large doses, you will find that you have increased risk.

Botox is approved by the FDA, however, and is extremely safe when injected correctly by a licensed doctor.

It is important to note that certain factors, like the length of time between treatments, should be taken into account. It is unnecessary and unwise to receive injections prematurely.

Just like with any other procedure you may have, a patient may experience side effects with Botox. Generally, the side effects are not serious and will go away quickly.

Some side effects to be aware of include:

• Temporary lump at the injection site
• Bleeding
• Redness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dry eyes or excessive tears
• Swelling or bruising
• Tenderness
• Upset stomach
• Droopy eyelid or eyebrow
• Allergic reactions

Even if you are someone that can safely handle Botox treatments, you need to be sure to have the procedure performed by a trained professional. Otherwise, you increase your risks significantly.

Botox parties, for example, are not a safe way to receive Botox treatments. You may end up with the wrong dosage that gives you the “frozen” look or, even worse, you could end up with infection or muscle weakness.

Botox is also not an appropriate treatment for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease.

The team at Atlanta Face and Body dedicates itself to ensuring you are comfortable and taken care of during your treatments. We will help you find the best treatment for your needs and work with you to create an enjoyable experience.

How Is a Botox Procedure Completed?

Before you have your Botox procedure, your doctor will want to consult with you regarding what your goals are for the treatment.

At Atlanta Face and Body, we offer virtual consultations as an alternative to an in-person visit.

Botox treatment only takes a few minutes to complete. Patients do not need anesthesia for the procedure.

The doctor will take a small needle to inject the Botox into the desired muscles. Patients will usually only have minor discomfort during this short process.

Before and After the Procedure

Before the procedure, there are certain precautions you can take to minimize the chance of side effects and increase the chance that your Botox treatment will turn out the way you want it to.

You will want to avoid alcohol because it can thin your blood. You also will want to avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners, including aspirin or ibuprofen, to help prevent bruising. Some herbal supplements can also increase your risk for bruising, so be sure to tell your doctor all supplements you take beforehand.

Closer to your appointment, you will want to avoid certain anti-aging topical products. This would include AHAs, Tretinoin, and retinol products. In addition to this, avoid hair removal on the areas that you will receive treatment.

You won’t want to wear anything on your face, including moisturizer or makeup, to your appointment if you are getting Botox injected into your face.

Following the procedure, it is best to avoid touching or rubbing the injection site for at least 24 hours. It is possible to spread the Botox before it settles into the muscle.

You may also need to avoid exercise for at least 1 day and try to stay upright for a few hours following the procedure.

Although this may seem extensive, we ask this in order to maximize your comfort and the chances that the Botox treatment will be successful.

Is a Botox Treatment Painful?

Botox treatment is not meant to be painful. The needle that doctors use for the treatment is very small.

The good news is that if you are working with the right professional, such as those at Atlanta Face and Body, you likely won’t even feel the needle as it goes in.

People that get Botox on a regular basis will tell you that it feels like a slight pinch if anything at all.

If it is the first time that you’ve had the procedure or you’re nervous about it, we can use a topical anesthetic to make the experience more comfortable.

Botox does have potential side effects that may be painful. If you experience severe side effects, it is important to bring this up with your doctor or seek medical attention right away.

When Can You Start Using Botox?

Patients aged 18 years and older are eligible to use Botox treatments.

Some people may think that Botox is only appropriate to use when you’re older. The truth is that many people in their 20s or 30s use Botox as a preventative aging treatment.

If you are noticing lines and feel concerned that these lines will turn into deep wrinkles, you can consider Botox treatments before they get worse.

With that in mind, if you don’t have any wrinkles yet or aren’t concerned about the lines that you already have, it is best to wait to use Botox until later in life. This way, you’ll have better results and your body will react more positively to the treatment.

There is no specific age to start getting Botox that is going to be right for everyone.

Instead of thinking about it from that perspective, consider your skin and what types of issues you are hoping to address.

Consult with one of our doctors if you’re not sure about whether or not you’re a good candidate for Botox. We will be able to help you make that determination.

Are You Ready to Reap the Benefits of Botox?

Botox is a great option for people that want to look and feel better.

While it may not last forever, the treatments are safe enough to be repeated and you can experience the benefits for years to come!

Now that you know the answer to ‘how long does Botox last?’ and are ready to get started, contact us today for more information.