QBotox is a serious procedure. It involves a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, dentist, or other qualified medical professional injecting a powerful substance called botulinum toxin into your facial muscles. The toxin has a paralyzing effect, and prevents those muscles from tensing up over time and creating wrinkles on the face and neck. Patients looking into Botox injections should know as much as possible about the short- and long-term effects of the procedure. Here are a few of the most important questions to ask in anticipation of your age-defying office visit.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Before receiving Botox, you’ll want to know whether the procedure is going to affect you in any other way. Fortunately, side effects associated with Botox injections are minimal. The main thing to be aware of is that the site could darken, bruise, or swell up in the days following the injection. Individuals should also avoid any strenuous exercise in the hours immediately after the visit. During this time the botulinum toxin has not yet completely settled. Working out—which tends to activate facial muscles—could spread the drug to other parts of the face. Besides that, though, there are no other serious concerns.
How Long Does Botox Last?
The length of time Botox keeps the targeted facial muscles paralyzed and skin wrinkle-free depends on several factors. These include the age of the patient, the condition of the injection site, and how the facial muscles themselves respond to and recover from the botulinum toxin. In general, though, Botox injections usually last between three and six months. Patients will see the full effect within a week or so of the procedure.
Am I Doing It at the Right Time?
Historically, people have opted for Botox in middle age and beyond—that is, when they’ve reached their forties, fifties, sixties, etc. But recent years have seen the emergence of a trend called preventative Botox. The idea behind preventative Botox is that younger people in their thirties and even late twenties could also benefit from Botox by eliminating wrinkles at the first signs of their formation. Many plastic surgeons, in fact, feel that Botox works most effectively when patients get it earlier in life, when facial wrinkles and fine lines are still faint.
For answers to any of your Botox related questions, schedule an appointment with our office today and talk with your doctor.
