Our skin is exposed to all of the elements and has to suffer through everything we do. Every second in the sun, every puff of smoke, and every moment of stress comes through to our faces. There are creams and lotions that people turn to, and surgery is always an option, but Botox can be a nice middle ground. The doctors of South Nassau Dermatology, serving the Levittown, Long Beach, Oceanside, NY area, would like to provide some information for anyone who is curious about Botox.
What is Botox?
Botox is commonly referred to as a poison because it technically is: Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulinum.
Botox works by paralyzing certain muscles to achieve a desired result. Most commonly, these are the brow muscles that are responsible for forehead lines.
Botox And Its Many Uses
Though Botox is famous for smoothing away age lines, it can also be used for medical reasons.
It is commonly used to reduce excessive sweating by targeting the underarm sweat glands. It is being implemented in cases with uncontrollable muscle contractions to keep them at a minimum. Botox injections have even been shown to be useful in treating migraines and overactive bladders.
What To Expect With Botox
Do not consume blood thinners the day prior to receiving Botox. This keeps bruising and redness to a minimum. There may be pain, swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites. The immune system may observe Botox as a toxin and may induce flu symptoms as a result (not unlike getting a flu shot). Local pain relievers may be administered, depending on the situation. In most cases, the procedure is inpatient and you will go home that day.
Botox does not show immediate results - it can take three days to two weeks for the full effect to settle. The effects of Botox will last from three to twelve months, depending on what is being treated.
If you are curious about Botox and how it may be able to help improve your life, reach out to the doctors and professionals of South Nassau Dermatology, serving the Levittown, Long Beach, Oceanside, NY areas, for a consultation today. You can schedule an appointment at the Levittown location at (516) 520-5280, the Long Beach location at (516) 432-7124, or the Oceanside, NY location at (516) 766-0345.