5 Things You Should Know About Botox Injections

The cosmetic form of a chemical called botulinum toxin is a popular injectable treatment technique that temporarily eliminates facial fine lines and wrinkles. Botox injections may treat most commonly the facial areas like frown lines, forehead creases, and crow's feet near the eyes. Several other areas have been treated by Botox are broad bands in the neck, thick jaw muscles, lip lines, and gummy smiles.

Botox injection is considered a very safe and effective procedure and was performed more than 5 million times in 2017 according to the latest data released by The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

In order to make you familiar with this popular non-surgical treatment, we have gathered 5 essential facts you should know about it.

READ: Botox Costs Around The World

1. Uses of Botox Injections

Medical Uses of Botox Injections

Botox is commonly used to treat chronic migraines, eye problems such as strabismus or blepharospasm, overactive bladder, neck spasms and tight leg muscles conditions like cerebral palsy.

It can also be used to prevent excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the armpits. Botox relaxes the muscles, by blocking the nerves and reducing their activity. It is also a safe and useful treatment for changing the position of the eyes. Once the eye has been anesthetized the Botox can be injected directly into the eye muscles.

Cosmetic Uses of Botox Injections

Botox is the most effective way to prevent face wrinkles. It is mostly used to eliminate forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Botox is also recommended for other areas like bunny lines around the nose, lifting eyebrows, corner of the mount, in upper and lower lips.

2. Go with An Experienced Doctor for Botox Injections

Choosing a doctor is important when you opt for treatment with Botox injections. Make sure that your doctor has the required certificates and enough experience. Checking the before and after pictures of the surgeon’s previous Botox injection treatments would be useful for you. The results of Botox injections depend on your plastic surgeon’s expertise. Only an experienced surgeon can determine the right amount of dose for you. Otherwise, complications such as a droopy eyelid can occur. Also, Botox prices are determined by the number of units administered. A good doctor will not use more units than you need and you can save up some money.

READ: Most Popular Plastic Surgeries among Celebrities

3. Botox Injections Results Can Take Time

After the injection, you probably won’t see the results immediately. You may observe results within a few days, but it may take a week to see the full effect of your Botox injections. Effects of the treatment generally last about three to four months.
Just be patient until the side effects disappear and you will see the effects of this procedure.

4. The Advantages of Botox Injections

First of all, Botox injection is not a surgical operation. Unlike other cosmetic surgeries, it does not require a healing period, and it is quite affordable. Also, the procedure does not take much time. Depending on your case, you can have a Botox injection in ten minutes and turn back to your daily activities after it. The final results can be seen in a short period of time – you can have an improved appearance, or you can get rid of your persistent headaches.
When the injection is done properly, risks and complications are rare. It is important not to rub or massage the treated areas after the Botox injections because it can cause the botulinum toxin to travel to another area of your face. You could have temporary facial weakness or drooping if this happens.

5. The Disadvantages of Botox Injections

Although Botox can be an excellent solution for both medical and aesthetic conditions, it has some downsides – It cannot be considered a permanent solution. The results last about 4 months, and after that, the patient needs another session. The Botox injections cost may represent a problem for your budget because you need to repeat the treatment periodically.
Botox injection is associated with some risks and complications. The most common complications after the Botox injection process are headaches, blurred vision, droopy eyelids, and tiredness. Other side effects may be light sensitivity, dry eyes, vision problems or asymmetry. Botox Injections around the mouth may result in a crooked smile or drooling. Before the procedure, you should consult your doctor about all the risks and complications.

READ: Female Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018

This content is edited by Flymedi Medical Editors in 2023.