Why Would I Need Botox Injections?

Expression lines form on your face over time; whenever you furrow your eyebrows in concentration, squint, frown, or smile. That is because our facial muscles contract and pull our skin. These repeated actions cause the expression lines to become deeply etched in your skin, especially around your forehead, eyes, and brows. If you have these dynamic wrinkles, DR. Alexis Furze can smooth them out using Botox injections.

What are Botox Injections?

Botox injections are known for minimizing facial wrinkles; they are also used to address medical conditions like lazy eye, an overactive bladder, excessive sweating, and neck spasms. These injections work by blocking chemical signals that cause muscle contraction. When injected into your facial muscles, the wrinkles in your forehead and around your eyes temporarily relax.

How safe are Botox injections?

Botox injections hardly cause complications when performed by an experienced doctor. If you consider Botox injections, look for a skilled and specialized doctor administering this treatment. Botox injections should be administered precisely, so the toxin does not spread to other body parts. Botox therapy can be dangerous when administered incorrectly, so you want to ensure you get this treatment under a doctor’s care.

However, even when performed by a specialist, expect temporary side effects like pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection sites. Other possible side effects and complications of Botox injections include eye dryness or excessive tearing, flu-like symptoms, and a crooked smile.

How to prepare for Botox injections

Like any other treatment, you need to have an initial consultation with your healthcare provider to ensure that Botox therapy is an option for you. During the consultation, your doctor will explain to you what the treatment entails, including its risks. Inform your doctor if you have had any Botox injections recently and if you are using muscle relaxants, sleeping aids, or allergy medications. You will need to stop taking blood thinners several days before Botox injections to minimize your risk of bleeding and bruising.

Your doctor may caution against Botox injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. People allergic to cow’s milk protein are also not eligible for this treatment.

What to expect during treatment

Most people can tolerate discomfort during the procedure, so numbing may be unnecessary. However, your doctor may numb your skin if your palms and soles are being treated for excessive sweating. Numbing the treatment area may involve vibration anesthesia, topical anesthesia, or ice. The treatment usually takes place in your doctor’s office and is an outpatient procedure. The doctor injects small amounts of the toxin into your skin or muscles using a thin needle. If the treated area is large, expect several injections. Once treatment is complete, you will need not rub or massage the treated areas to avoid spreading the toxin to other body parts. But you can resume normal activities right after the procedure.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms hours to weeks after treatment.

• Breathing problems
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Loss of bladder control

If you have further inquiries about Box injections, consult your doctor today at Alexis Furze, MD.