Did you know that over 17.5 million plastic surgeries took place in the US in 2017? Among them, Botox has been one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatments.
Botox is a quick and easy procedure that reverses the effects of aging on the skin. It softens wrinkles and fine lines and mitigates pain like TMJ and bruxism discomfort.
People use it for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. If you’re looking for botox treatment in Washington state, Women’s Health and Aesthetic Services Bellevue and Issaquah (VIVAA) might be the right place to go. Before that, let’s look at everything you need to know about Botox.
What Is Botox?
Botox is the common name for the botulinum toxin or Onobotulinumtoxin A, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
In the aesthetics and cosmetic industry, this toxin ‘freezes’ your muscles.
The botox injection blocks any nerve signals, preventing them from contracting and giving you a smooth skin texture.
A Botox treatment typically lasts three to six months, depending on your aftercare, what you’re getting it for, and how your skin reacts.
The treatment requires minimal downtime; you can see results within a few days, up to two weeks.
There are several areas of the body that you can get Botox for. These include, but are not limited to:
- Glabellar lines
- Crow’s feet
- Bunny lines
- Lip lines
- Marionette
- Chin dimpling
- Severe underarm sweating
- Masseter
- Forehead wrinkles
- Platysmal bands
- Trapezius muscle
Cosmetics aside, it has also been used to freeze muscles for treatment purposes such as chronic pain, muscle disorders, pelvic pain, and sciatica.
The cost of Botox varies depending on your state, the area you’re getting Botox for, and whether it’s cosmetic or for treatment purposes.
What To Expect
It’s essential to consult with the aesthetician who will perform it so you can prepare for the treatment beforehand.
1. Consultation Is Important
Before the procedure, your Botox clinic will likely offer you a consultation; a professional will ask you about the treatment you want, for which area, and if it is for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.
It is best to find someone with the right qualifications and many reviews before proceeding. Since Botox involves administering a toxin, a job gone wrong leads to asymmetrical results, muscle drooping, frozen expressions, and dangerous health consequences, depending on the extent.
Your doctor might assess the area you want Botox to see if it is right for you.
For example, if you’re getting Botox for your face, you might be asked to smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows for the professional to analyze the precise position for the injection.
The consultation should also cover a comprehensive health check to rule out any interactions with the botulinum toxin.
You must tell them about all medication you are taking beforehand and if you have any chronic conditions.
It is also a good idea to avoid any alcohol or anti-inflammatory medication at least a week before your procedure to prevent excessive post-procedure bruising.
Also, during your consultation, ask your aesthetician about things to avoid after the procedure.
But as a general rule, avoid any heavy exercise, makeup, or deep cleansing on the Botox-treated area.
2. What Happens During The Procedure
While the injection does not cause significant discomfort, you may get local, ice, or vibration anesthesia to numb the area before the injection.
Once the area becomes numb, your doctor will inject a very thin needle to administer a small amount of botulinum toxin into your skin or muscle.
The number of injections might vary depending on how big the treatment area is or how pronounced the effects are.
Men can need more injections than women since their muscles are often more inflexible. The dose will be tailored specifically for your procedure by the dermatologist.
3. Aftercare
After the procedure, you can resume most of your daily activities immediately, but the toxin needs time to settle within your muscle, so aftercare on the first day is essential to see the full effects of the treatment.
You should not lie down for a few hours after the procedure to ensure the substance does not seep into unwanted areas.
Expect bruising or swelling; it might pass in a few days if it’s not too pronounced or painful.
However, if you’re too concerned, some healthcare providers offer next-day laser treatment to eliminate the bruises.
It’s best not to put too much strain on your body, so avoid activities that make you sweat, do not wear makeup, and refrain from touching the injected area.
Endnote
Botox is a common and popular procedure to reverse facial wrinkles, crow eyes, and fine lines and is also used for physical therapy and pain treatment.
It is vital that you consult a dermatologist before the procedure and ask about everything that might be cause for concern.
Understanding what the process will look like to prevent nerves is also a good idea.
Most importantly, schedule your session so you don’t have any strenuous activity in the first 24 hours.
