American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

What you need to know about Botox


botox basics

Did you know that a typical Botox treatment session can be completed in less than 20 minutes?

Getting Botox injections is not only a great way to smooth out facial wrinkles, but it's also a simple way to prevent certain types of wrinkles from forming or deepening as well and it can even stop armpit sweating for months!

What is Botox?

Botox is a cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, or Onobotulinumtoxin A, a neurotoxin that is used to "freeze" muscles. There are four types of Onobotulinumtoxin A, including Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® and Jeuveau®. A Botox injection blocks the nerve signals to the muscle, which means that it cannot contract. Since these contractions are responsible for highlighting and deepening existing wrinkles, Botox injections serve to give your face a smoother, younger appearance.

What can Botox be used for?

In addition to diminishing facial wrinkles, Botox can also be used for issues such as excessive sweating, migraines, eye twitching, jaw pain and overactive neck muscles.

Some people can also get Botox injections to soften a square jawline, smooth a dimpled chin or correct an overly gummy smile.

What kind of results can you expect from Botox?

Results from a Botox session typically take up to 14 days to be fully noticed, but you may see results as early as three days after treatment.

As Botox begins to more fully freeze the treated areas, you'll see lines soften and wrinkles diminish in appearance.

Depending on the severity of your wrinkles and the surface area that you want to have treated, you may need more than one Botox session to achieve the desired results.

What to expect From Botox injections

During the procedure

How long the procedure takes will depend on the areas that are being treated as well as the volume of Botox being used.

Because the needle used for treatment is so fine, no numbing or anesthesia is usually required. Your injector will be able to pinpoint the precise points on your face that require an injection, so it can be a quick procedure that is virtually painless.

If you're nervous about experiencing pain or discomfort, be sure to tell your provider so that he or she can apply a numbing agent if needed.

During recovery

There is no recovery time following a Botox treatment. You may feel residual soreness or swelling around the injection sites immediately after treatment, but it's important not to rub or massage the area to prevent the Botox from migrating.

Some people find it helpful to apply a cold compress or take an over-the-counter painkiller like Tylenol to reduce swelling and discomfort, but any discomfort typically subsides within 24 hours of treatment.

Bring back your youthful look with Botox

While Botox is not a permanent solution, it is an excellent way to soften existing wrinkles and slow the formation of new ones. It can also be safely used alongside other cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion, dermal fillers and facial rejuvenation surgery.

Botox injections are a quick and easy way to regain your youth and help you look as confident on the outside as you feel on the inside.


The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Jason Lichten Headshot

Jason Lichten, MD

U.S. Board Certified
680 Buckles Court North Suite 2B
Columbus, OH 43230
United States

7406535064

Anne Taylor Headshot

Anne Taylor, MD

U.S. Board Certified
7227 North High Street #256
Worthington, OH 43085
United States

16145692649

Michael DePerro Headshot

Michael DePerro, III, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 200, 1830 Bethel Road
Columbus, OH 43220
United States

16144294950

Haruko Okada Headshot

Haruko Okada, MD

U.S. Board Certified
400 Stonehenge Parkway, Suite A
Dublin, OH 43017
United States

1614956-5757

Gregory Pearson Headshot

Gregory Pearson, MD

U.S. Board Certified
OSU Plastic Surgery, 915 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43212
United States

1614293-9030

Bivik Shah Headshot

Bivik Shah, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 130, 6499 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43213
United States

1614322-2500

Amy Moore Headshot

Amy Moore, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 2100, 915 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus, OH 43212
United States

1614293-5312

Walter Bernacki Headshot

Walter Bernacki, MD

U.S. Board Certified
1085 E. Johnstown Rd.
Gahanna, OH 43230-6849
United States

16146825095

Logo

Patient Care Center