When most people think Botox, they think of over-stuffed lips and false eyebrows. But there’s so much more to Botox than that! It’s a medical treatment that has helped many people with a wide range of issues. Best of all, Botox is simple to administer and minimally invasive!
Botox treatments are surprisingly easy for patients of almost all ages. Here’s the process:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen should be discontinued 1-2 weeks before the procedure
- Avoid alcohol for one week prior to injections
- The actual process usually only takes a few minutes It does not require anesthesia
- The Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles
- There is minimal discomfort
There is occasionally a small amount of bruising – and that’s it!
Some Facts You May Not Know About Botox
Prescribed Medical Treatments for Decades
Before ever being used for cosmetic purposes, Botox was an accepted medical treatment for eye conditions like twitching and crossed eyes. Its medical uses were first discovered by ophthalmologist Alan Scott and biochemist Edward Schantz in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The FDA approved it as a medical treatment in 1989.
Appropriate for Most Ages
The median age for Botox treatments is 33, but there are very few restrictions on age. Generally patients should be at least 18 years old.
Useful Muscle Relaxer
Botox is not about paralyzing muscles. It is injected directly into them to soften their movement. It can be used as a muscle relaxer for conditions related to the eye (like involuntary twitching) or tightness in the vocal chords, bladder, and uterus.
More than a Skin Treatment
The common misconception is that Botox injections are used only on the face. Sure, they do that: they help with wrinkles, noses, eyes, and cheeks. Injections can also improve the look and comfort of your hands, calves, and even earlobes. Recently, the FDA approved its use in treating chronic migraines, too.
Helps with Excessive Sweat
The FDA also approved Botox as a treatment for excessive sweating. The Botox injections stop nerve signals to the sweat glands in your underarms, and can reduce sweating for up to two years!
Botox is useful for cosmetic treatments, but it can also safely and effectively treat bigger conditions like incontinence, migraines, and tightened muscles. Now that you know how easy and painless Botox can be, schedule a visit at Murray Hill Dental!
