How BOTOX Works | Port Arthur, TX
For millions of people around the world, BOTOX® injections have provided relief from pain, as well as improvements in appearance by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
The therapy’s popularity is on the rise. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of Botulinum Toxin Type A procedures (commonly known as “BOTOX”) has increased by 759 percent since 2000. As costs have lowered and more people learn about this minimally invasive technique for temporarily reducing or eliminating lines and wrinkles, it’s no wonder this procedure has surged in popularity.
Fast Facts About BOTOX
- BOTOX may be used to smooth out wrinkles in the forehead, neck, chin, mouth, eyelids and elsewhere.
- BOTOX injection results are often visible in just a few minutes.
- BOTOX consistently ranks as the most popular non-surgical cosmetic therapy.
- BOTOX is actually a neurotoxin; it comes from Clostridium botulinum, a naturally-occurring rod-shaped anaerobic organism.
- The botulinum toxin is the most potent toxin (for humans) known to exist.
- The botulinum toxin works by paralyzing the muscles beneath the skin; this results in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- The botulinum toxin can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal illness.
- BOTOX isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. It can also be used to treat migraines, muscular disorders, excessive sweating, and some conditions of the bowels and bladder.
What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX is a drug derived from Clostridium botulinum, which occurs in many areas of the natural environment, including soil, freshwater pools, and wooded areas. It’s also found in the intestinal tracts of mammals and the organs of shellfish, among other places.
While these naturally occurring instances of Clostridium botulinum are harmless, the spores can be dangerous if they become vegetative cells and multiply. When this happens, Clostridium botulinum may produce the botulinum toxin, which is a lethal neurotoxin capable of disrupting the normal signaling process among neurons.
How Does BOTOX Work?
On its own, the botulinum toxin is an extremely poisonous substance. It is believed that one gram of the toxin could kill one million people and that two kilograms could wipe out the entire global population of humans.
Of course, the same could not be said of BOTOX, the popular cosmetic injection, which contains such a microscopic amount of botulinum toxin that it simply disrupts communication between nerves and muscles. This disruption results in paralysis, reducing the affected muscles’ ability to contract; as a result, the injected muscles are less stiff, thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines (common reasons for getting BOTOX injections).
What Is BOTOX Used For?
Patients with the following conditions may see improvements after BOTOX:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Sagging skin
- Premature aging
- Excessive sweating
- Squinting
- Migraines
Additional research is currently underway to explore further potential uses of BOTOX.
What Is the BOTOX Procedure Like?
At Mithani MD, your provider will take the time to answer all your questions so that you feel confident and informed in your decision to pursue BOTOX injections. Prior to beginning the procedure, we will dilute the powder in a saline solution; this mixture is injected directly into the targeted neuromuscular tissue. Results are typically seen within 24 to 72 hours, though (in rare cases) results may take up to five days.
Risks & Side Effects of BOTOX
Your provider will discuss risks and side effects of BOTOX with you prior to your appointment. Additionally, your provider will screen to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. (For example, BOTOX is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, or for those who have had an allergic reaction to BOTOX in the past.)
BOTOX injections are generally without side effects in most people. Occasionally, mild side effects or adverse reactions may develop in some people who are genetically predisposed against the drug.
Also, approximately one in 100 patients will develop antibodies to botulinum toxin type A; these antibodies will make subsequent injections ineffective. Undesirable side effects of BOTOX may include:
- Mild pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- Numbness
- Headache
- Mild nausea
- Temporary paralysis or weakness of muscles near the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms
- Weakness in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Droopy upper eyelid or brow
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Hives or rashes
- Dry mouth
- Wheezing
- Temporarily impaired vision
- Gallbladder dysfunction
What Can I Expect After BOTOX?
Every patient’s experience with BOTOX can be unique. Your provider can offer you a specific recommendation on frequency, based on your treatment goals and how your body responds to the initial round of injections.
A standard recommendation for treating fine lines and wrinkles with BOTOX is to receive injections once every three to four months. However, there is some evidence that after a routine BOTOX regimen of two years, less frequent injections may provide the same benefits.
Furthermore, your provider may be able to recommend additional non-surgical skin care procedures or topical therapies that can support your skin care goals. The use of other therapies in conjunction with BOTOX may, in some cases, reduce the required frequency of injections.
BOTOX offers many benefits for patients who want to look and feel younger! Discuss your options with a board-certified physician in order to get a full and balanced perspective on the use of BOTOX for accomplishing your personal skin care goals. A trusted medical provider can ensure you have a good knowledge of both the potential risks and benefits associated with BOTOX injections.
Schedule BOTOX Injections In Port Arthur or Beaumont
For more information about BOTOX injections in the Port Arthur or Beaumont areas, please call (409) 721-5150 or schedule an appointment online. All BOTOX injections at Mithani MD are performed by a board-certified M.D. – not a nurse practitioner, esthetician, or physician’s assistant. We serve patients throughout Southeast Texas, including Jefferson County, Nederland, Groves, Port Neches and Bridge City. See what your neighbors say about us!
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- Tuesday 8:30 - 4:30PM
- Wednesday 8:30 - 4:30PM
- Thursday 8:30 - 4:00PM
- Friday - Sunday Closed
