What You Should Know About BOTOX® Injections

There was a time when youth-chasing women and men had to go under the knife for a facelift to remove the signs of aging or put their hopes in an over-the-counter serum from the local drug store. Then BOTOX® injections hit the scene and people learned that they didn’t have to have a facelift or browlift to get the youthful appearance they sought, although the thought of injecting a derivative of a toxin in their faces might make some people nervous. But the idea of looking young forever has been the push millions of individuals needed to opt for the procedure. Here’s some information to decide whether BOTOX® injections will give you the results you desire.

The Treatment

BOTOX® cosmetic is a form of Botulinum Toxin A. It blocks nerve impulses when injected into the facial muscles, allowing them to relax. This erases wrinkles that are already there and prevents new wrinkles from forming; however, results vary from person to person. This is a simple and relatively safe outpatient procedure that can be performed in your doctor’s sterilized office.

The full results of your injection can be seen within a week and can last anywhere from three to six months. It’s recommended that patients repeat treatments every three to four months, although people who have BOTOX® treatments over a year may only have to repeat every six months.

Risks Involved

The injections are considered a relatively safe cosmetic procedure but there are certain people who shouldn’t have the treatment performed on them. For instance, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people who are allergic to eggs or suffer from a neurological disease should never get BOTOX® treatment. Some of the most common side effects include respiratory infection, headache, nausea, and a flu-like illness. The patient’s forehead or eyes may also sag. The lesser known complications from the procedure are generally associated with the injection itself and can last for about a week. You could experience some pain, bruising, numbness, redness, bleeding, swelling, and muscle weakness at the injection site.

Although considered safe, the injections can have some serious, possibly life-threatening complications. If you have the treatment, you should immediately contact your plastic surgeon or go to the hospital if you experience problems breathing, speaking, or swallowing.

These are rare side affects but they can happen. Talk to your doctor about all possible risks before making a decision to get the treatment.