Botox is used in cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. As a result, the skin looks tighter, making people look younger.
In addition, botox injections can help with certain medical conditions, such as neck spasms, excessive sweating, chronic migraines, lazy eye, and an overactive bladder.
So what exactly is botox, and is it dangerous?
What Is Botox?
Botox uses botulinum toxin, more precisely onabotulinumtoxinA. It is produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, and it induces botulism, which is a type of food poisoning. Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscle, which prevents it from contracting.
So, as you can see, botox injections use a potent toxin, which implies that they could be dangerous. However, they are relatively safe when injected by an experienced doctor with adequate training. At Progressive Rejuvenation, you can receive a safe and effective botox treatment in The Woodlands, TX.
Risks of Using Botox
Although botox injections are considered safe when administered by a certified medical practitioner, some side effects can still occur. A 2021 review of complications of botox use for cosmetic purposes found several potential risks, including:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain in the injected area
- Skin discolorations
- Drooping eyelid or eyebrow
Other reported side effects include drooling, crooked smile, headache, flu-like symptoms, eye dryness, and excessive tearing. However, most of these effects are mild and temporary.
In some rare instances, botox could spread in your body and cause muscle weakness, breathing problems, loss of bladder control, vision impairment, difficulty speaking, and trouble swallowing. If you notice any of these signs after a botox injection, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Are There Long-Term Effects from Using Botox?
Since botox effects fade over time, most people get repeated injections in certain intervals. However, research examining the long-term effects is limited. Some reports point out that the dangers don’t increase with multiple uses, while some cases state side effects like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Heart palpitations
So, more research is needed to understand the long-term risks.
Select Your Doctor Carefully
The most important thing when receiving botox injections is to pick your doctor carefully because it minimizes the chances of side effects.
The best way is to ask for a referral from your primary care provider or do thorough online research. That way, you can find a certified doctor with enough skills and experience to ensure the safety of your procedure.
The procedure usually requires no preparations. You may have to stop taking blood thinners for several days to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising. You should also tell your doctor about previous botox procedures, and they’ll ask about the use of other medications like sleep aids, muscle relaxants, and allergy medications.
The injections are administered in a doctor’s office, and most people don’t feel too much discomfort. You don’t need any special recovery treatment after the procedure. The only thing you shouldn’t do is rub the injection site for 24 hours.
Where Can I Get Botox Safely?
Progressive Rejuvenation is a medical center located in Woodlands, Texas, where you can get botox injections and other treatments to make you look and feel better. With Dr. Edward Nash in charge of the experienced team and the newest addition of medical aesthetician Cara Lopez, you’ll always be in safe hands. Click here to schedule an appointment and get the best botox treatment in The Woodlands, TX.
