Is Botox® Right for You?
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Botulism toxin therapy has been used in dermatology for over 20 years. This use began when a dermatologist and his wife, an ophthalmologist, began using it to treat signs of aging. It can also treat many other conditions, including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Learn more about this widely-used dermatological treatment to determine if it’s right for you.
About the therapy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved botulism toxin therapy in dermatology to treat frown lines between the eyebrows, crow's feet, and excessive sweating.
Many people know it as “Botox” because Botox® Cosmetic is a brand name for the therapy. Other brand names are Dysport®, MYOBLOC®, and XEOMIN®.
To perform the therapy, a dermatologist injects tiny amounts of purified botulinum toxin into targeted muscles to weaken and relax them.
Benefits of the therapy
This therapy is popular because it is quick and straightforward. Immediately after the procedure, you can return to everyday activities and apply makeup to the treated area. Most people see results in 3 to 7 days; the effects last 3 to 4 months, sometimes even longer!
You can have another treatment whenever the effects disappear, and repeated treatments may thin the targeted muscles, leading to longer-lasting results.
Precautions
The main precaution is to be careful where you are getting this treatment. Do not buy the botulism toxin online to inject yourself. If you can buy a product with this name without showing a medical license, what you use yourself is very different from what we use in our office.
In addition, do not allow someone in a non-medical setting give you this treatment. Examples could be a non-medical spa, a salon, someone’s home, or a party. In a non-medical setting, you can’t be sure what is being injected into your muscles, and you don’t know if the person is adequately trained to do the procedure.
People who have opted to try this therapy through a non-medical route have had long-term muscle paralysis, Bell’s palsy, and permanent eye damage. So, please beware!
In addition, if you do receive this treatment from a licensed dermatologist, you should take a few other precautions after the procedure:
Do not rub or massage the location of treatment.
If you apply makeup on the site, don't press or rub it in.
Wait two hours before performing strenuous physical activity.
Possible side effects
As with any medical procedure, you can experience side effects with botulinum toxin therapy, but these tend to be mild and temporary. And many side effects are from the injections, not the toxin. Common side effects can include swelling, redness, soreness, or bruising, and they often go away within a week. Other side effects are uncommon or rare.
Overall, this treatment is easy and convenient, offering results that many people enjoy.
Try it and save!
If you have been considering botulinum toxin therapy, now is the time to try it. In March and April, we are offering a 10% off discount. Restrictions may apply, so call us for more details.
