Wrinkles are part of aging, but it doesn’t mean they should define your face. While there’s nothing wrong about having fine lines, many people are exploring Botox to reduce its appearance. But what is Botox, and how does it work?
In this Botox guide, we discussed this treatment, its benefits, how to achieve the best results, and where you can get it in Eau Claire. Read on to learn more about this very popular treatment!
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Molly Rodriguez
What is Botox?
Botox is a brand of injectable botulinum toxin primarily used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.
However, don’t let the word “toxin” scare you. Botox is FDA-approved and guaranteed safe to use as long as it’s administered by a licensed professional.
Aside from cosmetic purposes, Botox also has medical uses, including treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), neck spasms (cervical dystonia), and lazy eye. It’s also effective in reducing the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
To administer Botox, a licensed medical professional will use a thin needle and syringe. Once injected, Botox will block the nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting and creating dynamic wrinkles.
But do botox injections hurt? Most clinics will use a topical anesthetic to numb the injection area. This will make the procedure relatively painless and more tolerable for those with needle aversion.
In general, you have to wait at least 7 to 14 days to see the full results. During this period, you must observe proper post-botox care to prevent the dose from spreading outside the treatment area.
After that, you’ll enjoy the Botox effects for 3 to 4 months, but you can always schedule touch-ups to sustain the benefits longer.
Take note that it’s common for first-time patients to see shorter results. But as they get more treatments, the effects would linger much longer.
Benefits of Botox
The benefits of Botox make it a very popular treatment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, about 4.4 million Botox procedures were performed in 2020 alone.
The following benefits are the main reasons why millions of people are trying this treatment:
1. Wrinkle reduction
Botox can erase years off your face by reducing the appearance of fine lines. By relaxing the muscles responsible for wrinkles, Botox will give you smoother, younger-looking skin.
Moreover, Botox is a non-invasive and non-surgical alternative to lighten signs of aging on the skin. It also has minimal recovery time, unlike chemical peels or laser resurfacing.
2. Spasm relief
Aside from its cosmetic purpose, Botox also offers medical benefits. It helps ease muscle spasms for conditions like cerebral palsy.
However, a licensed doctor must approve the treatment to ensure that Botox won’t have contraindications with the patient’s medications.
3. Migraine relief
Botox can be injected around the forehead area to ease the intensity of migraines. It blocks the activation of pain networks in the brain, allowing the patient to experience temporary relief.
The medical professional may inject Botox on your neck, forehead, temples, or the back of your head. The specialist will also determine the ‘trigger point’ where your migraine originates.
But like cosmetic applications, Botox for migraines will take weeks before you can experience full relief.
4. Excessive sweating reduction
Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis affects about 1% to 3% of the world’s population. It usually occurs on the underarms, groin, and feet.
While sweating isn’t necessarily a problem, it takes a social toll when it becomes excessive. Sweat stains can impact a person’s confidence, and shaking hands become a dreaded gesture.
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for this condition. Multiple Botox injections work well in providing relief within two or three days. More so, the effects last for about 6 to 10 months.
5. Overactive bladder treatment
Botox for overactive bladder is proven to show remarkable improvements among affected individuals. It’s also effective in reducing urgency incontinence linked to neurological diseases.
In fact, Botox treatments allow patients to stop using pads for incontinence. About 70% to 75% of overactive bladder patients receiving Botox experienced an improved quality of life without invasive treatments.
However, proper dosing is crucial for the success of this treatment. It should be determined by the attending doctor based on the severity of the patient’s loss of bladder control.
As much as Botox helps in various cosmetic and medical conditions, it’s not suitable for everybody. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid this treatment until they get clearance from their doctors.
If you have a lingering or underlying health condition, you should talk to your doctor before getting a Botox treatment.
6. Quick and cost-effective
Unlike surgical treatments, Botox is dubbed as a ‘lunchtime procedure’ since it’s done quickly and with no downtime. You can literally schedule your appointment during your lunch break — no need to take time off work.
Aside from that, Botox is an affordable way to reduce the appearance of fine lines. The cost of Botox in Eau Claire is measured per unit, and you can decide how many units you want to avail of.
Still, Botox specialists will recommend an ideal number of Botox units to achieve the best results. They can always devise a treatment plan that caters to your budget.
7. Improved confidence
Botox can help people feel more confident about their looks by reducing the facial signs of aging.
At the same time, it helps people with hyperhidrosis, spasms, and overactive bladder feel more sociable. Botox helps reduce their symptoms, which leads to improved self-esteem.
How to prepare for Botox
Preparation is crucial to ensure you get the best results on your Botox treatment. It will also prevent the risk of side effects.
If you’re planning to book your first Botox appointment, here are the things to keep in mind:
- Conduct a consultation. Before the actual Botox treatment, you should undergo a thorough consultation with a medical professional. Our licensed nurse at Eau Claire Body Care will conduct a one-on-one consultation to assess your goals, map out your treatment, evaluate your medical background, and discuss preparation requirements.
- Stop taking certain medications. You have to stop taking certain medicines before your Botox appointment. This includes blood thinners since they will increase the risk of bruising. But before you do so, make sure you get your physician's approval.
- Avoid alcohol or cigarettes. You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours before your Botox appointment. It's because alcohol increases your risk of bruising and bleeding. At the same time, avoid smoking since it impacts your skin health.
- Avoid other cosmetic treatments. If you're planning to get a Botox treatment, steer clear of facials and other cosmetic treatments in the injection area.
- Have realistic expectations. Above all, set realistic expectations for your Botox treatment. Take note that you won't see the results in an instant. It will take days for the botulinum toxin to relax your muscles fully. Be patient, and you'll see the effects in no time!
After botox care tips
Proper care after botox sessions will ensure that you’re going to reap all the benefits. Below are the easy aftercare tips you should remember after your treatment:
1. Avoid touching the injection site
The most important thing with Botox post-care is to avoid touching, rubbing, or putting pressure on the treatment area. Don’t do anything on the injection site for 24 hours to prevent spreading the Botox to other areas of your face.
2. Avoid strenuous physical activities
For 24 hours after your treatment, avoid excessive exercise and other rigorous physical activities. It’s because increased blood flow in the injection site may cause Botox to migrate to surrounding areas.
When Botox accidentally spreads or migrates to other areas, it may cause side effects like drooping eyelids or eyebrows.
3. Maintain a neutral facial expression
While waiting for Botox to take effect, you must keep a neutral facial expression. This is to prevent Botox from spreading to other areas on your face. Observe this Botox aftercare for at least 24 hours or longer if you had an intensive session.
4. Avoid makeup or any skin products
If you received facial Botox, you should avoid putting on any makeup or skincare products until the swelling has subsided.
The rule of thumb is to wait for at least 24 hours so you won’t rub or touch the treated area. But if you want to err on the side of caution, you should wait for at least two days before resuming your usual skincare routines.
5. Sit up
You should remain seated upright for the first four hours after your Botox treatment. Don’t lie down or bend because this could cause the Botox to spread to surrounding areas of your face. Aside from that, lying down increases the risk of bruising.
How many Botox treatments do I need?
The number of Botox units and treatments you need depends on several factors. You should consider the following:
- Your desired results/goals
- The size of the treatment area
- The severity of your wrinkles and fine lines
- Your age
- Your lifestyle
- Speed by which your body metabolizes Botox
- Your budget
Take note that each person has unique needs. It’s always best to call a professional Botox provider, so you’ll get a one-on-one consultation before your treatment. This way, you’ll determine the number of treatments you need and how much you should expect to spend.
Get wrinkle-free today with FDA-approved Botox!
Are you looking for safe and effective Botox in Eau Claire? Our expert team at Eau Claire Body Care is waiting for you!
We offer FDA-approved Botox in Eau Claire, WI, at a very competitive cost. Before each treatment, we provide an in-depth consultation to our clients, including a printed outline of where each Botox injection goes and why.
You can also get your Botox treatment at home! We have a concierge team who will deliver your Botox anywhere – be it your home, hotel room, office, etc.
Our goal is to make you look and feel good without the hassle. Call us to book an appointment, and our licensed beauty specialists will ensure you get the best results.
