Botox injections can be used medically or cosmetically to treat certain muscular conditions and paralyze muscles to remove wrinkles, respectively. According to specialists for cosmetic injections in Meridian, Botox is derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It’s found in lakes, soils, forests, and other natural settings.

The bacterium is also found in organs of animals like crabs, fish and the intestinal tracts of many mammals. Your friend, your neighbor or your relative may have had a Botox injection, and now they look better than before. You now want to try out the same process to see if it can work for you. Before making an appointment with a dermatologist, below are essential facts you ought to know about the procedure.

Botox is a Safe Procedure When Done Correctly

The Botox procedure can be a little frightening when you think of a needle penetrating the forehead, or in between the eyes. This shouldn’t be the case as the procedure is widespread and was first approved by the FDA back in the year 1989 for medical use. In the year 2002, the FDA approved the use of Botox procedure for cosmetic purposes. For a safe and successful process, ensure that you choose a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist who is board certified.

Botox Does Not Eradicate Wrinkles

When having a Botox procedure done, your expectations of the results should be reasonable. The process does not remove the wrinkles on your face but relaxes the muscles, thus improving their appearance. For static lines, you can opt to smoothen them using laser treatments. But for wrinkles caused by facial expressions, having a Botox procedure can help to eliminate them.

Qualifications for Botox

According to the FDA, Botox should be done on people between the ages of 18 and 65. Here are some of the reasons why you shouldn’t have the procedure.

  • If you have had facial surgery or you are planning to have one in future
  • If you are on certain medications like vitamins and other supplements
  • If you are allergic to a botulinum toxin brand like disport, myobloc or Xeomin
  • If you have a skin problem or any other condition at the injection area
  • If you have problems like asthma, bleeding issues and difficulty in swallowing food or drinks
  • If you have an allergy of any of the Botox ingredients

Of all the clinical studies that have been done about Botox, none concern an expectant woman. For safety purposes, if you have plans to conceive, you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding, avoid Botox injection.

The Side Effects of Botox

The most common side effects that result from having Botox include pain accompanied by bleeding at the injection area, redness, swelling and inflammation. There are those side effects that result in allergic reactions such as rashes, dizziness, itching and wheezing.

In case you experience such feelings after a Botox procedure, it’s recommended that you consult your dermatologist immediately. Other Botox related side effects are fatigue, neck pains, muscle twitching, droopy eye leads, and headache, among others.

Is Having a Botox Painful?

All injections can cause pain, but the needles used for Botox are generally small, and the resulting pain is minimal. To help prevent or reduce pain, dermatologists apply a topical anesthetic cream or cold pack to numb the area to be injected.