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What is Botox?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a sterile, purified protein that is produced in the laboratory from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botox can be administered by injection to temporarily improve or reduce the appearance of wrinkles or creases. It is commonly used to treat prominent forehead creases, brow furrows and crow's feet. Botox has also been used to successfully treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasm in the neck and eyes.
How does it work?
When injected into the muscles responsible for wrinkles and creases, Botox temporarily weakens or paralyzes the muscle. This temporarily reduces or eliminates previous skin creasing and keeps new skin creasing from occurring.
Who is the best candidate for it?
Good candidates for Botox include men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and interested in improving the appearance of forehead creases, brow furrows and crow's feet. Botox may not be appropriate for individuals with certain neuromuscular disorder like ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
Where is the procedure procedure performed?
It is typically administered in an office setting.
Is anesthesia used during the treatment?
Injections typically require no form of anesthesia, though some doctors choose to use a cold pack or anesthetic cream to numb the area before treatment.
How is the actual procedure performed?
The doctor will first determine where the Botox injections should be administered by examining your ability to move certain muscles in the brow area. Several tiny injections are then administered directly into the muscle.
How long does the actual procedure last?
Botox procedures are very quick and easy, taking just minutes to complete.
Is there much pain from the injection?
Patients often compare the sensation of the Botox injection to a pin prick and any discomfort is minimal and brief.
What is the recovery like after treatment?
There is virtually no downtime associated with Botox treatment, though some minor irritation, redness, bruising or swelling can occur at the injection site. These side effects typically clear up within a few hours after treatment. The effects of Botox treatment can be seen within a few days and typically last for three to six months.
Will I need to take time off from work after my treatment?
Though patients may experience some minor irritation, redness, bruising or swelling at the injection site, this typically clear up within a few hours after treatment. Most patients are able to immediately return to work and other normal activities immediately after treatment.
What are the risks or complications associated with it?
The risks or complications associated with Botox are few but may include b ruising, numbness, droopy eyelids, body may become immune, allergic reaction, temporary eyelid droop, nausea, headache, respiratory infection, and flu syndrome.
Does insurance cover the cost of Botox treatment?
Botox treatments performed for purely cosmetic reasons are typically not covered by insurance. When used to treat migraines or for other medical purposes, however, the treatment may be covered to some degree.
How long do the effects of Botox last?
The effects of Botox typically last between three to six months. Repeat injections are necessary in order to maintain the results.
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Rhinoplasty
