What You Should Know Before Getting Botox®

What You Should Know Before Getting Botox®

April 1, 2022

Botox® has been used to treat facial wrinkles and creases for cosmetic purposes for ages. Botox, a brand name,is from a toxin produced by a bacterium. It is also used to treat other health issues such as excessive sweating, eyelid spasms, or migraines.

How Botox Treatment Works

Botox works by blocking your nerve signals and muscles contractions temporarily. This temporary paralysis will last for about three to 12 months, depending on the treatment. You can always seek another treatment after the muscles start to gain action. With time the lines will eventually appear less severe due to muscle shrinking.

Botox Treatment Procedure

Botox injection will take a few minutes. No anesthesia is needed during the procedure. The specialist will inject the Botox using a small needle. Only minor discomfort is experienced. The treatment will take between seven to fourteen days before it takes full effect.

After the procedure, avoid rubbing the area to prevent the Botox from spreading to other areas within the first twenty-four hours. Ensure that you sit upright for the first four hours and have a day off from exercises.

When is Botox done?

Botox treatment has mostly been used on facial muscles. However, the treatment can also be used to treat conditions that affect your body functions.

Some of these conditions include:

Chronic migraine. This migraine occurs for more than fifteen days a month. Botox treatment is used to elevate the pain.

Muscle contractures. Neurological conditions like cerebral palsy cause your limps to pull towards the center. These contracted muscles can be relaxed using Botox.

Hyperhidrosis. It is also known as excessive sweating. It occurs even when the temperatures are not hot or exerting your body.

Cervical dystonia. It is a painful condition where your neck muscles contract involuntarily. It results in your head twisting into an uncomfortable position.

Botox and Dentistry

In dentistry,Botox can be very beneficial. Our dentist in Chester Springs will use Botox to:

  • Adjust new dentures.Dentures can be quite uncomfortable;Botox treatment can adjust dental muscles.
  • Treat bruxism and TMJ.Teeth grinding can cause a series of dental issues. Bruxism is treated by injecting Botox that is causing the grinding. TMJ usually happens when the muscles become tense due to stress. Botox treatment near you will relax the TMJ joints and relieve pain.

Who Can Get Botox Treatment

One needs to be at least over eighteen years old to get Botox. Before the procedure, discuss with your doctor your medical history.Several health conditions prevent someone from getting Botox treatment. Some of them include:

  • Weakness in facial muscles
  • Pregnant or nursing
  • Suffering from neuro muscular issues such as sclerosis
  • Droopy eyelids, uneven facial features, or deep facial scars
  • Skin issues around the injection area
  • When you are allergic to cow’s milk protein

What to Do Before Botox Treatment

Botox treatment requires minimal preparation. Firstly, inform your doctor if you have had any Botox injections for the last four months. If you are on muscle relaxants, allergy pills, or sleeping aids, mention it to the specialist. Try to avoid alcohol for at least a week before the treatment. Get off any anti-inflammatory medications for at least two weeks before to prevent bruising.

What are Botox Treatment Risks?

Botox injections are safe when performed by an experienced specialist and within the right doses. However, there are possible side effects. Some of them include:

  • Swelling, bruising, or pain at the injected site
  • Crooked or drooling smile
  • Stomach upsets
  • Weakness in the surrounding muscles
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Headaches that last for about twenty-four to forty-eight hours
  • Cockeyed eyebrows or drooping eyelids are common only to a few people. Droopy eyelids usually
  • Excessive tearing or dry eyes

Although it rarely happens, the toxin can spread in your body. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects weeks or hours after the injection.

  • If you lose control over your bladder
  • Muscle weakness
  • Swallowing or speaking troubles
  • Have breathing difficulties
  • Vision problems

Finding a Specialist

While the treatment is becoming more common, it is important to find a qualified specialist.Visit our office at Dentist of Chester Springs for any inquiries about Botox treatment.

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