What is Botox®?

Botox® is one of the most widely known brands of botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxins are neurotoxins that affect nerves and cause muscle weakening. You might get a botulinum toxin injection for cosmetic or medical reasons. Healthcare providers inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles to smooth wrinkles, prevent migraine headaches and treat a wide range of other health conditions.

How does Botox work?

Botox blocks nerve signals to muscles. As a result, injected muscles can’t contract (tense up). These effects are always temporary, but can last for several months. The muscle injected depends on the primary area of concern. Several areas can be treated in one session.

What cosmetic conditions can be treated with Botox?

Botox cosmetic injections are used to address signs of aging. This treatment can smooth fine lines and wrinkles in several areas of your face, including your:

• Eyebrows
• Forehead
• Nose
• Eyes
• Lips
• Chin
• Jawline
• Neck

What medical conditions can be treated with Botox?

Botox has been used for decades in the medical industry. These injections may be recommended for the treatment of:

• Crossed eyes (strabismus)
• Eyelid twitching
• Chronic migraines
• Blepharospasm

What is Botox made of?

A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum makes the neurotoxins used in Botox. Healthcare providers use a specific type of the bacteria (type A) for medical injections.

Botulinum toxins occur naturally in soil and contaminated foods. If you consume large amounts of botulinum toxins or the bacteria get into a wound, you can develop botulism. This serious nervous system disorder affects breathing. For optimal safety and efficacy, Botox is produced in a lab. Technicians dilute and sterilize the botulinum toxins so they won’t cause botulism.

Is Botox safe?

Botox is generally safe when administered by a licensed healthcare provider. Ask your medical team if Botox injections are right for you.

Procedure Details

How should I prepare for Botox?

Make sure your healthcare provider has a current list of the medications and supplements you take. Certain medications increase the risk of bruising at the injection site. These include anticoagulants or blood thinners (Warfarin®) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Alcohol also makes you more prone to redness and bruising. Don’t drink for 24 hours before a procedure.

What should I expect during Botox treatment?

Your healthcare provider uses a fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the treatment area. Depending on the issue, you may receive several injections in different spots. Here’s what else you need to know about Botox therapy:

• Botox is an outpatient procedure. You’ll be able to go home the same day.
• Discomfort is usually mild. The injections may sting and feel uncomfortable, but the procedure is over quickly. Your healthcare provider might apply a topical numbing agent to your skin before giving injections.

What should I know about Botox aftercare?

Unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, you can return to work and most activities immediately after treatment. To reduce redness, swelling or bruising:

• Don’t rub or put pressure on the treatment area for 12 hours.
• Stay upright (don’t lie down) for three to four hours.
• Avoid physical exertion for 24 hours.

How often should you get Botox?

On average, the effects of Botox last about three to four months. Retreatment is recommended at this time. Eventually, however, your muscles may train themselves to contract less. As a result, treatments can be spaced out over longer periods of time. Your healthcare provider can let you know how often you should get Botox based on your unique needs.

Risks / Benefits

Are there any Botox side effects?

Side effects from botulinum toxin injections vary depending on the area receiving treatment. Most issues are mild and improve in a day or two. Possible Botox side effects include:

• Pain, swelling, redness or bruising at the treatment site.
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Neck pain
• Upset stomach (indigestion)
• Temporary drooping eyelids (ptosis)
• Eye irritation or redness

Who should not get Botox injections?

Botox injections are relatively safe. Still, you shouldn’t get this treatment if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have:

• Neuromuscular disease.
• Drooping eyelids (ptosis).
• Weak facial muscles.

Recovery and Outlook

How long does it take for Botox to work?

After Botox treatment, most people notice the desired effects around the third or fourth day. Full results will be visible within 10 to 14 days.

How long does Botox last?

Within three to six months after Botox therapy, toxins wear off and muscles regain movement. As a result, wrinkles return and issues like migraines and sweating may resume. To maintain results, you may choose to receive more Botox injections. Your healthcare provider can let you know how often to undergo Botox treatment.