The 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Botox

There are so many uses for Botox, and the top one is for smoothening out wrinkles. The neurotoxin relaxes muscles around the face, eyes, and neck. It also relaxes muscles in other areas that need treatment. 

Many people are only conversant with the ability of Botox to reduce wrinkles. Hence, the knowledge of these other uses raises questions. Here are a few questions and answers to feed your curiosity about this popular treatment.

What Other Uses of Botox Are There?

There are several medical reasons for using Botox. In all these cases, treatment relies on the ability of Botox to relax muscles in these areas. It relieves pain, stops excessive sweating, and stops twitching. It can be used for:

• Excessive underarm sweating

• Overactive bladder

• Strabismus

• Chronic migraines

• Cervical dystonia

How Does Botox Work?

Stressful situations cause the release of acetylcholine that dilates blood vessels, increases body secretions, and contracts smooth muscles. When muscles contract where they should not or are more excessively than they should, it causes problems.

Botox injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, smoothing out wrinkles and allowing the area to relax. It also reduces body secretions and allows smooth blood flow.

What Areas Benefit From Botox?

Considering the information above, Botox benefits the armpits, face, jaw, and eyebrows. Doctors also use it on the palms of your hands to prevent excessive sweating. The use depends on your condition and the underlying cause. Ensure you know what is causing your medical condition before you get a Botox treatment. If it is tension in the muscles, Botox is probably a good choice for treatment.

How Long Do Results Last?

Many Botox users get to see results within a few days. However, the full effect of the treatment may last for three to six months. Afterward, it begins to fade. As the Botox treatment fades, the muscles start to contract again. Your lines and wrinkles will become more apparent.

However, you can receive another treatment when this happens. Also, as time passes and you keep receiving the Botox treatment, the contracting muscles weaken. They will not contract so much anymore, and the treatment can last.

What Precautions Should I Take?

Botox does not have serious side effects. However, there is a need to be cautious. Some people report getting vision problems and muscle weakness some hours or weeks after the injection. Other side effects may be headaches, bruising, upset stomach, eye dryness, and numbness. 

If you realize that you may be experiencing some side effects, immediately contact your doctor. Do not operate machinery, drive, or engage in dangerous activity before the physician resolves the issues.

Who Should Not Get Botox?

Avoid getting Botox when you are breastfeeding or pregnant. The neurotoxin can get into the blood system and cause problems for the baby. Also, stay away if you have a neurological disease. It can worsen your situation due to the way it works. You should also not get the injection if you are allergic to cow’s milk.

For more information about Botox, call Shepard Eye Center at one of our four California offices. For Santa Maria call (805) 667-0100, Lompoc call (805) 793-1800, Santa Ynez Valley call (805) 937-9532, or Orcutt call (805) 410-9998.