When it comes to botox injections, their prime benefit is to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, they can also be used to treat a number of conditions, this includes neck spasms, excessing sweating, an overactive bladder and lazy eyes. Botox has also been known for preventing chronic migraines. Botox uses a toxin called onabotulinumtoxinA which will temporarily stop muscles from moving, this toxin comes from botulism, which is known as being a type of food poisoning. Botox was the first use of botulinum toxin.
Botox injections will block particular signals from nerves, these are mostly signals that make muscles contract. The most common reason for botox is to relax facial muscles that will cause wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, botox injections can also be used to treat conditions that affect the body and how it functions, this includes:
Lazy eye – one of the most common causes of a lazy eye is an imbalance in the muscles that are responsible for positioning the eye.
Hyperhidrosis – this refers to excessive sweating that will occur even when a temperature isn’t hot and you’re not over exerting yourself.
Bladder dysfunction – botox injections can help to reduce urinary incontinence that is caused by overactive bladders.
Cervical dystonia – this is a very painful condition where your neck muscles will contract involuntarily and this will cause your head to twist or turn in uncomfortable positions.
Muscle contractures – neurological conditions including cerebral palsy may mean that your limbs pull inwards, botox injections can be used to contract these muscles as it will help them to relax.
Chronic migraines – should you be experiencing migraines more than half of the days out of the month, you can try botox injections as these may help to reduce the headache frequency.
Eye twitching – botox injections are known for helping to relieve and reduce the tightening or twitching of the muscles that are around the eye.
Botox – The Benefits
Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis – this is a condition where someone may sweat excessively and unpredictably, those people who have hyperhidrosis may sweat more, even when it’s cool or they’re still.
Reducing Migraine Pain
Those of us who suffer from migraines may be aware of the benefits of botox, botox has been known for reducing the main symptoms of migraines as well as the sensitivity to light and nausea, this will make the migraine much easier to deal with.
Bells Palsy Treatment
Using botox to the paralysed side of the patients face can help to relax the facial muscles that may have tightened up and become painful, as well as preventing any other facial tics.By using botox on the patients non paralysed area of the face, this can help to relax movements on the more dominant side of the face, giving it a more balanced and even look.
More Youthful Look
Botox can take years off your appearance and make you feel younger, giving you a more youthful look. Most people use botox to target severe lines including smile lines, frown lines, crows feet and forehead lines. Botox can help to smooth lines and minimise wrinkles and creases.
Choosing a Doctor
When it comes to Botox it must only be used under a doctor’’s care, it’s important that the injections are placed precisely as this will ensure minimal side effects. Botox therapy can be dangerous, especially if it’s not done properly or correctly. With this in mind it’s important to use a skilled and certified doctor who has experience in administering botox.
Preparing for the Procedure
It’s important that you tell your doctor if you have had any botox injections over the past four months, you should also let your doctor know if you have taken any muscle relaxing medication, sleeping or allergy medications. If you take blood thinners you will also need to stop taking them before your botox injections, this is to reduce bleeding and bruising.
Before the Procedure
Most people won’t feel discomfort during the procedure, however you may want your skin numbed before, especially if it’s your palms and soles that are being treated for excessing sweating. Your doctor may also use one or more of the various methods available in order to numb the area, this can be anesthetic, ice and vibration anesthesia, this will use massage to help reduce discomfort.
During the Procedure
Botox injections will usually be provided in a surgical clinic, the doctor will use a thin needle and inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin or muscles. A number of injections will be needed and this will depend on a number of factors such as the extent of the area that is being treated.
After the Procedure
It’s important that you don’t rub or massage the area for 24 hours, this can help to prevent toxins from spreading to different areas, you will be able to return back to normal after the procedure though.
Results
Botox injections tend to start working one to three days after the treatment, depending on the problem that you are being treated for, the effect of the treatment can last from three months or longer, results will depend on the individual. You may also need regular follow up injections.