Some Key Information on...

Botox and Looking Younger

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxin A) is a prescription medication injected into the upper portion of the face to smooth out lines or wrinkles.  Botox is generally administered between the brows (frown lines), forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet) and upper portion of the bridge of the nose (bunny lines).  Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve impulses to the muscles controlling the treated portion of the face.  The result is a smoothing of the lines due to reduced activity of that particular muscle.  This will not change your appearance drastically and you will still be able to make facial expressions.  Full results can be expected about 10 days after Botox injections are administered. 
Although results can last up to four months, individual results may vary.  The effects are temporary and follow up injections are recommended approximately every three months.

Discomfort associated with Botox injections is minimal and the entire treatment can be completed in less than 15 minutes.

Immediately after having Botox injections, slight redness and small bee sting-like bumps at the injection site can be expected.  This is merely the fluid that was injected into the underlying muscle.  Once the fluid is absorbed into the muscle the bumps should disappear.  This usually takes about 10-30 minutes.   It is not recommended to manipulate the area for at least 4 hours after treatment.  However, exercising the treated muscles (making expressions that activate the muscle that was treated with Botox) is recommended and can help work the Botox into the muscle.  Possible, albeit minor, side effects that can be associated with Botox injections include pain at the injection site, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising. 

Those having a disease that affects the muscles and nerves (such as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, etc.) or any immune suppressed individual should use caution when receiving Botox injections.  If there is any question or doubt about your health history or medications you are taking and how this can affect Botox treatments, it is advised to consult with a Botox technician.