What Is Botox?
You’ve most likely heard of Botox before. This facial injection is widely known and deeply loved by those passionate about non-surgical cosmetic treatments and facial rejuvenation. Still, it can come in handy for more than just wrinkle reduction.
Let’s look at what makes up Botox, the many conditions it can treat, and why you may be interested in getting Botox treatments for yourself.
What Are Botox Injections?
Botox is an injection made with small doses of recombinant Clostridium botulinum toxin. This toxin is found naturally in the intestinal tracts of fish and animals. The injection is created by diluting the powdered Botulinum toxin with saline. The actual toxin is a recombinant formulation of onabotulinum toxin-A.
Though Botox is a toxin, it is FDA-approved for the treatment of both medical and aesthetic needs. This neurotoxin temporarily paralyzes the muscle tissue at the site of injection. It does so by changing the neuromuscular junction’s effectiveness. This is the region that allows a nerve to trigger a movement in a muscle. By blocking the neuromuscular junction, the muscle is barred from working. Since muscle is what pulls on the skin to give expression, it will cause wrinkles over time, stopping the muscle works to stop wrinkles from forming.
Botox’s function is essential for preventing and diminishing common wrinkles, including smile lines and crow’s feet, as well as painful muscle contractures. Botox has a long history of medical uses to stop pathologic contractions.
What Does Botox Treat?
There are many reasons that one might consider Botox injections, and some of them may just surprise you:
- Botox helps to restore a youthful appearance by smoothing facial wrinkles.
- Botox can restore facial contouring due to volume loss.
- Botox can help to fight chronic migraines and muscle contractures in the neck and shoulders.
- Botox can help to combat excessive underarm sweating and bladder issues.
- Botox is used for a variety of spastic and contractile medical conditions.
Did these reasons surprise you? For many, they see Botox as merely a cosmetic treatment. They’re not wrong, as Botox is the nation’s most popular and well-known facial rejuvenation method. However, Botox treats more than just surface-level needs, going as far as helping men (yes, men) and women find relief from debilitating pain from migraines and muscle pain.
During an appointment, Botox may be injected between the eyes, in the corners of the mouth, or in the forehead or chin to both to help reduce wrinkles. Still, your physician may also inject under the arms to fight hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) or into areas of muscle contractures. Where the injection occurs will depend on your needs as a person and patient.
Injections are performed using sterile techniques in office settings and have no necessary recovery time, though it can take up to 14 days for Botox’s effects to show. Usually, the effects of Botox happen within 7-10 days. Results often last anywhere from three to twelve months.
How We Can Help You Reach Your Goals?
Sarah Balladares PA-C, of Smooth By Sarah, can help you achieve your aesthetic wellness goals with a wide range of services. Sarah has partnered with Dr. Meredith Warner of Warner Orthopedics & Wellness and practices within their state-of-the-art facility, seeing patients regularly for medical and cosmetic concerns. Full metabolic, hormonal, musculoskeletal, and inflammatory work-ups are available as well. From Botox to dermal fillers, IV therapy, physical therapy, infrared spa therapy, yoga, and more, you can improve your health and beauty while reaching your highest level of physical wellness and satisfaction.
If you would like to book an appointment with Sarah Balladares for your aesthetic wellness needs, she is ready to help you find the perfect treatment for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for Botox injections or one of our many other options for facial rejuvenation!
Meet Sarah Balladares
Sarah Balladares is your expert in aesthetic medicine. She is trained in minimally-invasive anti-aging treatments and modern cosmetic medicine and is prepared to help you find your solutions for facial rejuvenation, spider vein therapy, IV therapy, and more.
Contact Sarah today to schedule a consultation and begin your own aesthetic journey.
