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What does Botox do to your face?
What does Botox do to your face?
Botox was created from the bacteria known to cause botulism. The botulinum toxin works to help block nerve activity in muscles.

There are various types of botulinum toxin products used to treat different aging signs and treat some medical conditions. Common cosmetic uses of Botox in Glendale include reducing wrinkles on the bodies of adults. Botox helps treat medical conditions, such as eye conditions, migraines, and overactive bladders. Take time to speak with the doctor to discuss treatment options and how Botox can help treat different medical and cosmetic conditions. 

Botox was created from the bacteria known to cause botulism. The botulinum toxin works to help block nerve activity in muscles. 

Medical Treatment

Botox has been used for more than just treating wrinkles and fine lines. Botox was created and developed to help with various medical conditions. Some medical conditions where Botox injections help treat include cervical dystonia, migraines, overactive bladder, and incontinence. Botox injections help treat muscle spasms and stiffness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet of adults (and children at least two years of age).

Botox can help treat different eye conditions. This treatment can help those with excessive eye twitching and blinking and have their eyes pointing in different directions. Patients have also received Botox injections to help with excessive sweating in their underarms and on their palms. 

Cosmetic Procedures

Botox is better known for helping reduce the signs of aging. Botox injections essentially paralyze nerves in the face and neck, reducing movement. The reduction of activity helps reduce the wrinkles caused by the continued movement. Common treatment areas include around the mouth, brow area, and under the eyes. 

Before Treatment

Before receiving a Botox treatment:

  1. Speak with the doctor to discuss the procedure and any concerns about the product.

  2. Tell the doctor about any other cosmetic procedures, chronic medical conditions, previous surgeries, bleeding problems, and if there were any side effects from different cosmetic procedures.

  3. Do not continue with the procedure without speaking with the doctor if there are existing medical conditions or allergies to medicines or previous cosmetic procedures. 

The doctor will also give a list of things to do and not to do before receiving treatment. To ensure the procedure goes well, follow all directions given by the physician. 

Post Treatment

Recovery time is minimal, but it is imperative to follow the doctor’s directions post Botox treatment. For the first 24 hours after treatment, all Botox patients should avoid exercise and direct sunlight. Additionally, depending upon the treatment area, Botox may impair vision and depth of perception. Avoid any driving or similar activities until the patient sees how Botox will affect them. 

Check with the physician about what to do and what not to do post Botox treatment. 

Warnings

Botox should not be used if there is an infection in the treatment area. There is a risk that the botulinum toxin can spread to other areas of the body, causing severe side effects. Do not have the procedure without the supervision of a medical professional trained and experienced in Botox injections. Call the doctor immediately if there are signs of a hoarse voice, vision problems, eye irritation, drooping eyelids, trouble breathing, loss of bladder control, or severe muscle weakness. 

Common Side Effects

Botox offers multiple options for treatments. As with any procedure, there is a risk of side effects. Some common side effects reported by patients include fatigue, itching, swelling, rash, dizziness, double vision, and trouble breathing. On rare occasions, severe allergic reactions may occur. If there is trouble breathing or other signs of complications post-treatment, seek immediate medical attention. 

When using Botox for migraine prevention, patients may experience side effects such as minor headaches, drooping eyelid, and neck pain. Patients treating excessive sweating using Botox may experience cold or flu symptoms with headache, fever, neck or back pain, and anxiety. Common side effects when treating overactive bladder may include urinary tract infections, fever, and difficulty urinating. 

Health Insurance

In the beginning, Botox was usually considered a cosmetic procedure. Most cosmetic procedures are not considered medically necessary and not covered by health insurance. As the product advances, it has become more common to use Botox to help treat multiple medical conditions. 

If the treatment is for medical purposes, there is a chance that health insurance may cover the costs. Check with the physician to see if the procedure is medically necessary and submit it to the insurance company. Additionally, check with the insurance company directly to determine if the procedure is covered, how much is covered, and what needs to be submitted. 

Botox offers multiple options for both cosmetic and medical needs. Patients experiencing migraines, muscle spasms, or other treatable medical conditions will significantly benefit from the use of Botox injections. Those wanting to have a more youthful appearance will benefit considerably from receiving the injections as a cosmetic procedure. No matter the usage, millions receive Botox treatments annually.