Ever since it came on the market in the late 1980s, Atlanta Botox has been helping people achieve a younger-looking appearance. Botox exploded in popularity shortly after it was approved for cosmetic use, and it has been a frequently used treatment by dermatologists for decades.
But how exactly does Botox improve the appearance of a person’s skin? Does the treatment really remove wrinkles and lead to a more youthful look?
All of these questions and more will be addressed in the following Botox guide.
Botox: What Is It?
To some, the way Botox is made may sound unusual. The treatment is made up of a protein which is extracted from the Botulinum toxin. This protein is injected into the areas of muscles and nerves which are deemed to be too tight, and the result is a more relaxed, smoother appearance of the skin.
Botox is very safe and can only be administered by professional dermatologists or similar practitioners. In fact, the common complications from Botox are generally extremely mild and include issues such as:
- Bruising;
- Swelling;
- Redness.
Beyond the above three common complications, the patient may experience headaches and eyelid drooping. While these side effects are rare, they have been known to happen. They often stem from the medication targeting nearby nerves or the patient having a slight reaction to the injection.
But whatever side effects occur after Botox injection, the patient can rest assured that these effects are temporary and will clear up within a few days, to a few weeks at most.
Botox as a Cosmetic Treatment
The best-known use for Botox is in the cosmetic arena. Experienced Botox dermatologists will identify areas which can be addressed through the injection of the substance, coordinate with the patient to ensure that his or her goals are being met, and set up a treatment session.
During the procedure, the patient’s skin is treated with an analgesic cream which makes the injections almost completely painless, even for those with very high pain sensitivity.
All told, a cosmetic Botox procedure can be performed in roughly 15-20 minutes and the patient can resume normal activities shortly after the treatment. This makes it easy for patient to schedule Botox procedures during their lunch breaks and get back to work without any trouble at all.
Botox as a Therapeutic Treatment
Many people are aware of Botox as it relates to cosmetic treatments. However, fewer people know that Botox can also be used to treat certain neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions such as Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and hyperhidrosis (heavy sweating in certain areas of the body).
While there are other treatments for these conditions, Botox is a safe, effective, affordable, and widely available option for many patients.
Similarly to an appointment for a cosmetic Botox injection, the patient who is receiving Botox for therapeutic reasons will discuss their needs with the doctor, who will help them determine which areas of the body should be treated. From there, the patient will schedule an appointment, receive their injections, and will usually notice improvement in symptoms within a few days.
If you are considering Botox treatments for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons, contact a skilled Botox dermatologist today!