What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin, a group of medications that are able to temporarily paralyze muscles. In its pure form, this is the toxin responsible for botulism. Botox injections use a safe amount of the toxin to provide therapeutic benefits–both as a medical treatment for certain conditions as well as a cosmetic treatment to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.
How is Botox used as a medical treatment?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, can be used to treat a variety of conditions that affect everyday living. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that cause muscles to contract.
Some common therapeutic uses include:
- Hyperhidrosis
- Overactive bladder
- Lazy eye
- Chronic migraines
- Eye twitching
- Cervical dystonia
A consultation with Dr. Estimé will determine if Botox is right for you.
How is Botox used as a cosmetic treatment?
Botox injections into key facial muscles keep them from contracting. Wrinkles are often the result of repetitive muscle movement. Every time you smile or frown, creases form in the skin. Those creases become wrinkles as you age because the skin loses its elasticity. A Botox injection prevents the repetitive contractions, so there is less of a crease and the wrinkles are not as deep.
Are there risks with Botox?
Botox is considered a safe treatment, but only when administered by a trained professional, like Dr. Estimé. Some possible side effects include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- A headache or flu-like symptoms
- Droopy eyelid
- Crooked smile
- Drooling
- Eye dryness
- Excessive tearing
Most people tolerate the injections well, but there are some potential complications, like:
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of bladder control
Dr. Estimé and his staff will go over all the risk factors with you prior to the treatment.
Do Botox injections hurt?
Dr. Estimé uses very thin needles to keep pain minimal. The number of injections you will need depends on different factors, such as the purpose of the treatment.
After completing the injections, Dr. Estimé or a member of his staff will go over the post-treatment care plan with you. Most patients return to their regular activities right away. It is important not to rub the injection sites, because it may force the toxin to shift to another area.
