When it comes to smoothing out skin, Botox® is considered the principal product to use. With a few 
injections, your fine lines and wrinkles can be transformed into smooth, youthful-looking skin. Before you undergo Botox injections, you should meet with your doctor and discuss any questions you may have.
Here are answers to six common Botox questions:
1. How can the appearance of my wrinkles be improved by Botox?
Wrinkles are formed when the skin’s muscles release acetylcholine and contract. If you inject Botox into the muscles, it stops the release of acetylcholine and relaxes the muscles. This treatment ends the contractions and smoothes wrinkles and fine lines.
2. How long will Botox results last on my wrinkles?
You generally see results from Botox injections for three to six months, longer if more units are used. There is a direct correlation to the number of units used, not the volume, and the effectiveness of your Botox injections.
3. What problem areas can be improved with Botox treatments?
Botox treatments can improve your:
- Crow’s feet
- Excessive sweating
- Forehead creases
- Severe neck muscle and eye spasms
- Moderate to severe frown lines between your eyebrows
4. How safe is Botox?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) deem Botox an extremely safe treatment for fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Can complications occur from Botox treatments?
Complications occur very infrequently from Botox injections and serious side effects are extremely rare. However, you should look out for signs that could be indicative of a more serious problem.
Common side effects of Botox treatments include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Bruising and numbness at the injection site
- If you notice any of the following symptoms immediately after undergoing treatment and up to several weeks after, contact your doctor:
- Trouble breathing
- Slurred speech
- Muscle weakness
- Worsening or unexpected difficulty swallowing
Before receiving Botox treatments, be sure to speak with your doctor or nurse if:
- You are breastfeeding
- You have heart disease
- You have difficulty swallowing
- You are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- You have an infection near the area where Botox will be injected
- You have neuromuscular disease including Lambert-Eaton syndrome, Myasthenia gravis, or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
6. What exactly is Botox?
Botox (botulism toxin) is a protein often associated with food poisoning because it is produced from Clostridium botulinum. Injecting small amounts of Botox into human muscles under the skin can make the muscles weaker. The result of weaker muscles can be both medically and cosmetically beneficial due to the smoothing of lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox Cosmetic is produced by Allergan Pharmaceuticals.
Be sure to come prepared to your appointment with any additional questions you may have for your doctor. Don’t hesitate to do more research before attending your appointment so that you can feel comfortable before undergoing treatments.
GLOW Surgical Arts offers a variety of cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help you look and feel more attractive. Request a consultation online, or call GLOW Surgical Arts at (650) 241-2209.
