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What Is Botox Used For?

Botox is commonly used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.
Botox is commonly used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Botox is commonly used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Other conditions where Botox is used are as follows:

What is Botox?

Botox is a drug made from botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin that blocks the signaling processes between the nerves. This disturbs the muscle movements, especially muscle contraction that the concerned nerve controls.

Extremely small doses of botulinum toxin are used in Botox injections, making Botox a safe drug.

Botox works by temporarily relaxing or paralyzing a muscle. This action is primarily used to improve facial features concerned with aging by reducing the wrinkles.

Over time, the use of Botox also started in the treatment of other disorders where suppression of overactivity of the muscles was needed.

What are the possible side effects of Botox?

Botox is generally a safe procedure when performed under an experienced doctor. The possible side effects that can happen after a Botox session include:

Some of the signs and symptoms can be serious and need a visit to the doctor right away. These include:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Vision problems
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Loss of bladder control

What is done before Botox?

Your doctor will take your medical history before initiating the Botox treatment on you. You should inform your doctor about

If you are on blood-thinning medications such as heparin or warfarin, your doctor may ask you to discontinue it for a few days before the procedure to avoid post-Botox bruising.

Most people tolerate the procedure well because the procedure does not cause much discomfort or pain.

The doctor might administer local anesthesia just before the procedure to numb the area.

What happens during the procedure?

The doctor gives a few tiny shots of Botox in the required area.

The procedure takes a few minutes, and you can go home the same day.

Your doctor will schedule the next appointment (session) after a few to several months later.

What happens after the procedure?

You will be able to resume all your activities normally as before. The general restrictions after the procedure include avoiding

  • Pressure on the area for 12 hours.
  • Lying down for three to four hours.
  • Physical exertion for 24 hours.

How long does Botox last for?

A single session of Botox usually lasts for anywhere between three to six months depending upon the condition for which it is given. It requires several sittings of Botox to get the required and long-lasting results.