Ideally, Botox injections are meant to prevent muscles from contracting and causing wrinkles. It relaxes and softens your forehead by hindering a particular chemical reaction that takes place in your nerves. As a result, this stops folds from forming on your forehead and around your eyes as well.
However, while this is its primary purpose, doctors have found a way to modify it to serve other uses. For instance, one can use it to treat severe underarm sweating, uncontrollable blinking known as blepharospasm, an overactive bladder, and chronic migraine.
Depending on the quantity or quality of the shot, Botox injections can last up to four months. However, recent studies suggest that the period in which it lasts in a patient varies, which means that it may last longer in other patients. It is also worth noting that it lasts shorter when administered to first-time patients.
Therefore, if you intend to get a Botox injection, read on so that you may familiarize yourself with its pros and cons and what you should anticipate.
It doesn’t erase Wrinkles. Also, It’s Temporary.
As established, Botox aids in removing wrinkles from faces. Its active element ‘freezes’ facial muscles, such that lines cannot deepen and exhibit themselves on your face. Therefore, for most patients, Botox is categorized as a preventative drug and not therapeutic.
Meaning, the sooner you get the shot, the more preventative its effect. However, do note that this is not a limiting factor. Cosmetic and medical professionals find this drug to be your best bet if you intend to erase the imperfections from your face. They also advise that you get the medicine while you are in your early 20s.
Depending on your environment and day-to-day activities, certain factors make the drug fade at an exceptional rate. If you exercise from time to time, your shot can last up to three months.
What to consider when choosing a doctor
The drug should only be administered under a doctor’s supervision to prevent potential side effects from arising. This is because they will be able to do it precisely. Keep in mind that the therapy can be hazardous if not done appropriately.
Having said this, we advise you not to gamble with your chances. Get in touch with a licensed medical contractor who will guide you through the procedure. It is good practice to get assistance from a doctor who specializes in the process. Their knowledge, and most importantly, their experience, will guide them on what to do if in case of anything. Therefore, be sure to contact one for any health-related quarries regarding the procedure.
How to prepare and what to expect
Ensure that your doctor is aware if you have had any Botox injections over the past four months. They should also know if you are taking any muscle relaxants, allergy pills, or sleeping aids. Failure to disclose this information might cause a chemical reaction between the drugs (which may have health-based consequences). In addition to that, they may also encourage you not to take any blood thinners for several days to prevent bruising or bleeding.
Before the procedure, the doctor numbs the targeted are (we shall discuss this later on). Depending on how they deem fit, there are various ways of doing this. For instance, they may opt to use ice or anaesthesia. This is done to reduce any discomfort that may arise during the procedure.
The number of shots needed depends on various things, such as the extent of the targeted area. However, this shouldn’t bother you since the doctor will assess and determine the quantity required.
Once the drug is administered, it will take roughly a day or two to start working. Subject to why you got the injection and the problem being addressed, the effects may last for three months or perhaps more. If you intend on maintaining the results, it is advisable that get follow-up injections. Be sure to consult your doctor regarding this. You may return to your day-to-day activities. However, there are specific measures that you need to take.
What Should You Avoid after the Injection?
Once you have injected the cosmetic drug, there are certain precautions that you should take. The dos include:
- Frown Repeatedly
Frowning from time to time maximizes the drug’s efficiency since it increases the uptake by the targeted muscle group. After an hour of frowning repeatedly, you shouldn’t make any facial expression for at least twelve hours.
- Maintain an Upright Posture
Assume an upright position for at least four hours after getting the shot. Bending or lying will force the drug to spread, causing bruising.
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the dos, get to learn the don’ts:
- Shun from Alcohol
Before getting the shot, your medical advisor may ask you not to get intoxicated for twenty-four hours. This is because alcohol increases the probability of bruising. The same also applies after the shot. Wait for 24 hours before drinking after the drug is administered into your system.
- Don’t Touch your Face.
Touching your face forces the toxin to spread, which, as we have emphasized, causes bruising. Usually, doctors suggest that you wait for three days. If you get the drug anywhere else on your body, avoid touching those areas as well.
Here is a Bonus Tip: It Doesn’t Hurt, at least not that much!
The drug is administered using a needle. Therefore, it only fits to assume that it is painful. However, with the assistance of a topical anesthetic, the procedure bears minimal pain. The doctor can also do it without the numbing agent. The injection gives you nothing more than a pinching sensation. With the assistance of a well-trained doctor, the pain is virtually nonexistent.
You are also likely to get a bump on your forehead that will assume the form of a mosquito bite. Nevertheless, it will eventually fade if you happen to feel some pain after getting your injection; it’s probably due to anxiety. It may lead to a tension headache, although not for long.
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