Originally approved by the FDA in 1989 to treat various eye problems and cervical dystonia (a condition in which your neck muscles twitch involuntarily), Botox® has gone on to be used for a number of different treatments both medical and cosmetic, including migraines, foot pain, overactive bladder, and stomach issues.
Despite having many other cosmetic treatments on the market, Botox continues to be a common way to help with wrinkles in the face and neck area. It’s safe and doesn’t require surgery.
Dr. Rogers Walker and Walker Urgent & Family Care serve the Little River, South Carolina area with Botox treatments and a number of other medical needs.
The chemical used in Botox treatments (botulinum toxin) is in fact derived from the same toxin that causes botulism, a condition that in its natural form causes food poisoning. Years of research revealed that in small, controlled doses, it is effective at treating many problems. Botox became popular for its use in reducing wrinkles by relaxing muscles in the face. This allows the face to relax and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and creases. The results have seen patients looking younger and feeling better about themselves.
Facial wrinkles form as a result of skin folding along areas where over 40 facial muscles normally work to blink, smile, and perform many other functions. As we age, these folds become more pronounced, and the wrinkles and creases form more frequently.
In a Botox injection procedure, a very thin needle inserts the chemical in the specific wrinkle-producing muscles to relax them and smooth out the skin. The number of injections may vary depending on what areas of the face are being treated. Larger areas can take three to five injections. The whole procedure typically takes about 15 minutes and is an outpatient treatment.
The procedure doesn’t require anesthesia, and there’s no downtime. However, you’re advised to avoid rubbing the injected areas to prevent moving the Botox to areas of the face not meant for treatment and reducing the effectiveness of the injections. You can expect results between three to seven days, and those results can last for several months. Consulting a specialist will help determine how frequently you may need to take Botox injections to treat wrinkles.
Certain skin conditions, pregnancy, and some nervous system disorders may prevent patients from getting Botox injections. However, for people who can get the treatment, it can take years off your face and give your self-esteem a boost.
If you’re interested in Botox injections to look better, make an appointment with Dr. Walker and Walker Urgent & Family Care today.
