Four Important Things to Know About Botox

Botox is a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can help minimize lines and wrinkles found on the forehead, around the eyes and in between the eyebrows.  It works by temporarily blocking the movements of the muscles that cause the lines and wrinkles to appear in the first place.  It’s a safe and effective treatment that has been approved for cosmetic use by the US FDA in 2002.  It was previously approved for medical use by the US FDA in 1989.  For those who are considering cosmetic Botox treatments, we’ve put a list together of four important things to know about Botox.

There’s Little To No Downtime

Most people can resume regular activities immediately after receiving Botox injections.  For example, an office worker should be able to go back to work after a lunchtime treatment.  That said, strenuous physical exercise should be avoided for 24 hours after Botox injections and you should avoid lying down for five hours.  You should also avoid heavily rubbing or massaging the areas that have been treated for at least four hours after injections.  That said, regular, day-to-day activities should be no problem after receiving cosmetic Botox injections. It is even fine to fly after getting Botox – many people will get their treatments shortly before heading off to a luxury resort in the tropics to relax and rejuvenate. 

It Takes About A Week For Results To Become Noticeable

The anti-wrinkling effects of Botox injections aren’t instantaneous.  In fact, it usually takes about five to seven days for the results to become noticeable.  The injections are in small enough doses that it takes several days for them to begin to affect the muscles that cause the skin to wrinkle.  

The Treatment Can Last Several Months

Although every patient is different, a single Botox treatment can often last three to four months or more.  Many patients schedule maintenance injections of Botox every three to six months after their initial treatment.  Because Botox doesn’t accumulate or build up in the system, top-up injections can be regularly administered safely.

Side Effects Are Uncommon

There are typically few, if any, side effects to a cosmetic Botox injection treatment.  Most patients can immediately resume regular, non-strenuous activities, apply and remove makeup and continue with their regular, daily skincare procedures.  The skin shouldn’t feel tender or sore.  In the few instances that side effects do occur, they are usually limited to slight bruising or temporary swelling.  Sometimes a patient may complain of a headache which is normally treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers.