Lines and wrinkles can be irritating, making them the most common reasons people seek Botox treatment. However, Botox is applicable and effective for a variety of conditions. It treats conditions like eye twitches, drooping brows, excessive sweating, and chronic migraines. All these treatments are FDA-approved and will give you the relief you need.
Botox is the number one nonsurgical procedure in America. It requires minimal preparation and has no downtime. Here are four questions you may ask your optometrist to set you at ease with your Botox treatment.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a brand name for an injectable toxin that acts as a muscle relaxer. The botulinum type A toxin temporarily paralyzes your muscles, reducing excessive sweating and chronic migraines. Muscle relaxation also turns back the clock on facial aging, reducing or eliminating wrinkles.
How Does It Work?
The botulinum toxin works by attaching itself to the neuromuscular junction. Here, it inhibits the release of acetylcholine. The chemical from the presynaptic motor neurons is responsible for causing muscle contraction.
The muscles relax when there is an interference in its release. The relaxation of muscles improves the appearance of wrinkles. It also deals with other conditions for which you may be receiving treatment.
What Occurs During the Procedure?
The Botox session only takes a few minutes, and you do not need anesthesia. The optometrist uses a small needle to inject it into the treatment area and the specific muscles. You will get about three to five shots—it depends on your case. Avoid rubbing the area for at least 24 hours. Otherwise, you may spread Botox, and the treatment may not have the desired effect.
You may need to stay upright for four hours and take a day off from strenuous activities. Otherwise, the Botox may slip below the orbital rim and cause drooping of the eyelids. Your optometrist will advise you accordingly.
Before the procedure, take precautions and avoid aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medication. Otherwise, they may cause bruising from the Botox treatment. Also, abstain from alcohol for at least one week before the treatment.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Any side effects will resolve themselves in 24 to 28 hours. Otherwise, you may need to contact your optometrist. The results of the treatment will be evident in a week or two. It will prevent your symptoms from returning for three to six months.
Afterward, the muscle action may return slowly. At this point, you may need to seek additional treatment. But the more treatments you get, the longer the effects will last. After some time, you may not need to get any more Botox injections as the muscles shrink and atrophy.
Conclusion
Consult your doctor before getting any Botox treatment. They will advise you if it is suitable for your condition. They may also consider other conditions like neurological diseases, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It is not advisable to get Botox if you have any of these conditions.
For more information on Botox treatment or to book a visit, call Abraham Eye Associates at (484) 209-0800 for our Villanova, Pennsylvania office.
