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For a smoother, younger look
For many years, Botox has been used to treat more than a million
patients to correct medical conditions, but it was only approved
for cosmetic use by the FDA in 2002.
Since Botox injections are a simple outpatient procedure for
minor wrinkle problems, it has become an extremely popular
"pick-me-up" that is so subtle, no one will know
you have had the procedure. Stars receive Botox treatments
in anticipation of the Oscars or prior to a movie shoot.
Botox is a protein related to botulism, which is a type of
food poisoning. In extreme examples, botulism causes paralysis,
but when Botox is used in minute amounts, it helps relax and
weaken muscles that are contracting too much. This is very
good news for those who suffer from constant muscle spasms,
such as eye twitches!
Muscles that have been temporarily "frozen" cannot
wrinkle, so Botox is ideally suited for alleviating facial
wrinkles that are caused by repeating the same facial expression
over time. And, the small localized injections can target
only the desired problem areas.
* Botox injections are a great way to temporarily eliminate
frown lines, crow's feet, and other creases on the forehead.
* Botox injections can correct many of the wrinkles that appear
around the eyes.
* If you have vertical wrinkles on your upper lip, Botox injections
can alleviate them.
* Botox injections can be repeated as often as necessary and
desired. Most people repeat the procedure four times per year.
* A mild local anesthetic is used to numb the area where you
will receive the injections.
* The needle used for the injections has a very fine point.
Therefore, most people experience only minor discomfort during
the treatment.
* You may go home immediately after the injections, begin
wearing make-up, and return to work right away!
* The results of your Botox injections will appear sometime
within two weeks after the procedure.
* Botox injections do not permanently eliminate wrinkles,
but the effects last for three to eight months.
* Some people report some minor tenderness and bruising in
the area of the injections for a short period of time after
the procedure.
* It is best to avoid food and drink for about an hour after
the procedure, as the anesthetic may have caused some throat
numbness.
* The doctor will give you exercises to do periodically for
the first hour after treatment.
* It is important to not lie down for a few hours after the
injections.
* Do not massage the area of the injections.
Every medical procedure has some risk. Side effects from Botox
are rare, but such problems as bruising, eyebrow droop, difficulty
swallowing, headache, neck pain, nausea, respiratory infection,
or allergic reaction to the injected substance have been reported.
People with neurological problems should not have Botox injections.
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