Botox Basics, Benefits and Other Facts

Tired of your crows’ feet, forehead wrinkles and sagging brow? Botox may be for you – read on to find out.

What is Botox®?

Botox is a trade name for the toxin that Clostridium botulinum produces. Many people dwell on the fact that this toxin can cause botulism poisoning (which is true), but when used in very small, controlled and diluted amounts, it has proven to be a safe yet powerful neurotoxin effective in treating wrinkles.

How does Botox® Work?

Botox^® works by standing in the way of the signals sent by certain muscles, not allowing them to reach the brain. Thus, the muscles do not contract, causing less wrinkles. Over time, the skin’s memory fades as the muscle remains relaxed and the wrinkles reduce accordingly.

How Long does Botox® Last?

This varies slightly among patients, but you can expect results to last approximately three to four months. After that, the instrument of action within the Botox^® wears off. Some women are able to move the muscles gradually for a month or two before seeing signs of wrinkles returning.

Luckily, Botox^® has been tested, FDA-approved and safely treating wrinkles for decades, so receiving multiple treatments to maintain the reduction of wrinkles is acceptable.

Does Botox® Hurt?

This also varies among patients depending on their thresholds for pain. Other factors, such as the injection site, number of units injected and whether or not your doctor uses a numbing agent will make a difference. If you have a particularly low threshold for pain, speak with Dr. Steve Ahmed about this; however, most people report minimal discomfort from the procedure.

What Should I Expect with My Treatment?

You may experience temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. You may also experience bruising at and around the treated area. Results should be visible in a few weeks. You will notice the difference in the muscle’s ability to move before you see the actual lines in the skin soften and become less visible.

Will My Insurance Cover Botox®?

Most insurance plans will not cover cosmetic procedures.

Botox®, however, has been used since the 1980s in medical capacities, too. If you are being treated for abnormalities of the eye muscles, migraines, muscle stiffness, hyperhidrosis or other conditions where Botox® has potential to produce positive results, your insurance provider may cover the procedure.

How Much Does Botox® Cost?

The cost of a Botox® procedure depends on how many units you receive. Dr. Steve Ahmed will discuss this in more detail with you during your consultation after determining how much Botox® is necessary.

What Can Botox® Do for Me?

Its main use is to treat wrinkles. The severity of forehead lines, creases around the eyes and smile lines can all be temporarily reduced. Botox^® can also be used to slightly lift the brow and reduce lines around the neck when the procedure is skillfully performed.

Is Everyone a Good Candidate for Botox®?

Although Botox^® is safe, not everyone is a great candidate for the procedure. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant shouldn’t receive Botox^® injections, and people with neurological conditions should refrain from Botox^®, as well.

Another important fact to remember is that Botox^® isn’t the right injectable for every patient and every wrinkle. Different types of wrinkles require different injectables or fillers, so even if you feel comfortable and safe with the procedure, be sure to schedule a full consultation with Dr. Steve Ahmed before deciding whether it’s right for you.