Botox 101: Everything You Need to Know

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botox 101 everything you need to know

When it comes to enhancing one’s outer beauty, there are numerous ways to go about doing so, thanks to the many advancements that have been made in the cosmetic industry and medical field. Everyone wants to look and feel younger. Everyone wants those wrinkles and creases to go away and for their lips to appear fuller and teeth to shine brighter. Hollywood and its thousands of movie stars have certainly played a large role in such trends.

One particularly noteworthy and arguable infamous method that many continue to turn to in order to look their best is Botox. On the surface, receiving Botox injections is a quick and easy way to mask the signs of aging, especially for women. After all, there’s a reason it has remained one of the most popular treatments to this day.

Unfortunately, despite its prominence in society, many people don’t know much about Botox or have heard nothing but misconceptions. So, if you’re interested in receiving Botox in Grande Prairie, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the process first.

With that said, here are some frequently asked questions about receiving Botox near you:

1. What is Botox, exactly?

In simple, simple terms, Botox is a type of neurotoxin. Its full name is the Botulinum toxin.

Botox is formed by a certain bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. It’s processed into an injection that can help remedy a number of cosmetic-based issues.

2. How do Botox injections work?

Botox works by inhibiting the neurotransmitters acetylcholine in the nerves in your muscles. Neurotransmitters are essentially chemical signals that are released from the nerves in your body that tell your muscles to move. Botox inhibits certain movements, therefore reducing the wrinkles that form as a result.

3. Where can you receive Botox injections?

Most often, botox injections are administered to your forehead, around your eyes, between your eyebrows, and your lips. Sometimes, they’re administered on one’s neck or chin, too.

4. What is Botox used to treat?

Botox is most often used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. But, it can also be used to alleviate medical issues, including jaw tension, bladder dysfunction, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), eye squints, dystonia (which refers to involuntary muscle spasms), and migraines.

If you’re interested in receiving Botox injections, consider speaking to a doctor or a dentist near you. Our dentist in Grande Prairie is extremely skilled in performing this treatment. We’ll walk you through the process from beginning to end so you know what to expect.

5. How much Botox should you have?

As is the case with any medical or dental process, the extent of the treatment is highly dependent on your specific case and what needs to be done or what you’d like to address.

The average number of Botox injections to eliminate forehead lines is approximately twenty injections. To eliminate crow’s feet, it’s anywhere between two to ten injections.

It’s important to keep in mind that it’s the strength of your muscles that influences how much Botox you need to receive to change your appearance.

6. How long does Botox take to work?

The chemicals themselves take between twenty-four to forty-eight hours to kick into gear, and you’ll start seeing real results between three days to a week.

7. How long does Botox last?

If you’re thinking about receiving Botox injections soon, it’s good to remember that it isn’t a permanent solution. Often, the effects of the chemicals will fade after three months, although in some cases, it can last up to six. The results vary, as it depends on your current health and your body’s ability to handle the injections.

8. Can you fix bad Botox?

Unfortunately, no. If your Botox injections go badly, you must wait until the substances fade from your body.

9. How long do the ‘frozen effects’ of Botox last?

This particular side effect of Botox has definitely been exaggerated by films and television. If your Botox is administered by a trained professional, you’ll still be able to move your face, so there’s no need to worry. If you receive too much Botox, then it can influence your expression.

Simply put, you’ll never be paralyzed. You’ll still be able to communicate and show emotion.

10. Are there any side effects of Botox?

Again, like any other cosmetic treatment, side effects can occur. Regarding Botox treatments, you may feel some inflammation or experience a bit of bruising around the injection site, but these symptoms will disappear after a short period.

In more extreme instances, you can experience some of the following complications: flu-like symptoms, swelling at the injection site, droopy eyelids or dry eyes, muscle weakness, vision issues, and trouble swallowing. If you find yourself experiencing any of these things, contact a medical professional.

11. How much does Botox cost?

Ah, an age-old question. Customers are charged for each ‘unit’ of Botox they receive, which is usually around $10 to $20 dollars.

For example, if you want to get rid of forehead wrinkles, this process can cost up to $500 dollars. So, it’s best to make sure that this is something you want as it can be quite costly.

12. Does Botox hurt?

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different; it’s why some people don’t mind getting tattoos and piercings while others can’t. Regarding Botox, the experience is typically described as feeling a sharp pinch, much like how it feels to get your ears pierced. It’s over quickly, so you don’t have to fret.

13. Is it true that you need to be older to have Botox?

No! This is a myth! Botox is for aesthetic reasons and that’s all. Although a large majority of people seek out their treatment to fight the effects of aging, there are no restrictions on how old you need to be to receive injections,

14. Does Botox train your muscles?

Well, technically, it does to some degree.

Wrinkles form when these muscles lose their elasticity, and Botox is designed to tighten up your muscles. This effect increases the more frequently you receive the injections.

15. Does using Botox give you nice skin?

Another myth! No, Botox only affects your muscles and does not have any effect on your skin.

The Process of Receiving Botox

To reiterate, you should only receive Botox from a trained medical professional. Doctors are typically the ones who administer Botox injections, but it is not uncommon for dentists to administer it either. In the case of the latter, Botox may be given to patients to help strengthen and tighten jaw muscles.

Before receiving such treatment, be sure to book a consultation first. Your doctor or dentist will be able to identify whether this is a suitable course of action for you.

You’ll come into a local doctor’s office to receive the physical injections. Many people don’t feel too uncomfortable but if you do require further care, don’t be shy about letting your doctor or dentist know.

A thin needle is used to inject the Botox. The number of injections that you receive is dependent on what you wish to address.

Once the process is done, do your best not to touch the injection sites for at least twenty-four hours. But you’ll certainly be able to get back to your normal routine when you leave.

As stated, Botox isn’t permanent so, you may need to consider follow-up appointments if you want to maintain the effects.

Here at Swanavon Dental Clinic, we offer Botox to our patients. For more information about the process, get in contact us today!