Botox Injections: Treatment, Recovery, And Side Effects

Barbie's Beauty Bits will explain what you need to know about Botox treatments in this post. We'll cover how Botox Cometics works, recovery, side effects, and aftercare.

Botox is an incredible cosmetic and medical treatment that offers anti-aging results by targeting specific muscles. It's one of the best treatments to target fine lines and facial wrinkles available with decades of use showing that it's safe and effective. 

However, Botox can seem scary to some, which is why we got together with SEV Laser Of Philadelphia to provide you with the necessary information you need so that you can understand what Botox Cosmetics is, how it works, and more!  

How Botox Injections Work
Botox is an FDA-approved drug made of botulinum toxin type A. When injected in very small, controlled doses, it prevents muscle contractions in the facial muscles.

As a cosmetic treatment, it’s incredibly effective at fading what are known as “dynamic wrinkles.” These are wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements, like crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. With age, the skin slows down its production of proteins like collagen and elastin that allow it to bounce back after certain movements.

By actually preventing some of that movement in the first place, Botox keeps the skin looking smooth and helps the face appear more serene and youthful.

In the United States, Botox injections can only be done by medical professionals like Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS), registered nurses, physicians, and physician assistants.

Is Botox Safe?
You’ll often hear that Botox is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can sound pretty scary. However, as the real-life experiences of millions of people show, it’s quite safe. Botox has been used for both medical and cosmetic purposes for over 40 years now, so we have a really good idea of its safety.

Usually, when long-term adverse effects occur with Botox, it’s not because it was used cosmetically. Botox is often used to treat muscle pain, incontinence, and other health concerns related to the muscles. With medical treatments like this, the Botox is injected into parts of the body where risks can be higher, and they require much higher doses.

On the other hand, adverse effects from cosmetic Botox are incredibly rare and are often the result of going to an inexperienced or unlicensed practitioner. But it can also lead to issues like a frozen Botox look, even looking fake, if not injected by a qualified injector.

In a reputable medspa setting, your practitioner understands the manner of treating and won’t agree to treat you if you’re suffering from any conditions that could increase your risk of adverse effects. 

Botox Injections: Before, During and after Treatment

Botox Aftercare And Recovery
If you decide to give Botox a try, it’s essential to know the effect of Botox by being aware of the recovery process and Botox aftercare. After your treatment, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Avoid rubbing or touching the treated area. That means no massage, no ice packs, and no makeup.
• Avoid lying down or bending over backward or forward for 4 hours after the injection to prevent it from moving or migrating.
• Wait 24 hours before exercising or doing anything that’ll increase your heart rate.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or sun exposure for the first day, as well.
• You can still gently move your face as usual.
• Botox doesn’t show results immediately - you can expect to see a difference about two weeks after your appointment. 
• Botox results should last for around three months, although the more often you get Botox treatments, the longer the results can last between treatments.
  

Botox Side Effects
These are the more common Botox side effects you should be aware of. They’re quite benign and to be expected.

• Risk of bruising
• Swelling
• A bit of soreness or tenderness around the injection site
• Headache or mild flu-like symptoms (these are relatively rare but not dangerous)
  

If you experience more severe side effects after receiving Botox injections, like paralysis, muscle weakness, difficulty closing your eyes, or trouble breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention immediately. 

If you’d like to give Botox a try, we recommend booking an appointment at a quality medspa like SEV Laser, which offers services all over the USA. Check out one of the most popular locations, SEV Laser Philadelphia, or choose the nearest location near you.