Myth: Botox causes brain damage.
The response to this common worry is complicated. Although there have been stories in the media attempting to link Botox to brain damage, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that Botox actually does.
That being said, when Botox is injected by an untrained provider, or by a professional not taking the proper precautions, it can potentially result in nerve damage. Because Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin type A, it can migrate through blood vessels to other locations and cause crooked facial expressions, including a lopsided smile or droopy eyelids. But that’s only if it’s injected improperly or with the wrong dosage.
HOW BOTOX WORKS
Botox is a neurotoxin that works by attaching itself to nerve endings. Once this happens, the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions, called acetylcholine, can no longer be released.In simple terms, Botox injections temporarily relax the facial muscles that underlie and cause wrinkles. This is also why wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity don’t respond well to Botox treatments.
And don’t let the word “neurotoxin” scare you. Botox injections are FDA-approved and totally safe when performed by an experienced clinician. The most common side effects include swelling or bruising of the injection site, headaches, or flu-like symptoms.
CHOOSE YOUR PROFESSIONAL WITH CARE
What can you do to avoid potential Botox risks and complications? Easy – do your research and select your provider carefully! Follow these expert tips:
– Do your research and understand your selected provider’s training before having anyone treat you. Physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses are often educated to inject, so if you go to one for treatment, make sure they are functioning in a reputable doctor’s office or clinic with proper training, experience, and supervision.
– If your state allows other healthcare providers such as salons and clinics to perform Botox injections, you should still investigate them thoroughly. The provider you choose should be qualified, trained, and registered with the state. A quick online search can help you find all the information you need. Be sure the clinic has appropriate medical equipment and a safe environment in case there are any complications following the treatment.
– Always seek a consultation and use this opportunity to ask questions and look for signs of cleanliness, sterility, and good hygiene. Never feel pressured to proceed with Botox injections if you feel uncomfortable during the consultation .
– Stay away from in-home “Botox parties.” This may seem like a fun, inexpensive way to receive Botox injections in the comfort of one’s home, but the procedure requires a safe and sterile environment and a trained professional to do the injecting, as well as the proper resources, medication, and equipment in case of an unforeseen complication, allergic reaction, or medical problem.
Note: At LaserAway, all our treatments are performed by registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physician associates with specific injector training, and our clinics are supervised by over 20 board-certified dermatologists!
PROPER AFTERCARE IS ESSENTIAL
Keep in mind that choosing the right provider is half the battle when navigating your way around Botox complications. The other half is properly following your Botox aftercare instructions. The following tips will help with your successful recovery:
– To minimize swelling or bruising, apply a cool compress. You may also want to consider stopping any over-the-counter medications that thin the blood for about a week before your treatment to minimize bruising. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and St. John’s wort.
– After your treatment, avoid touching or rubbing the targeted areas and remain upright for a couple of hours after treatment. This is to minimize the risk of the injected Botox spreading to muscles that were not targeted during your treatment.
– Avoid working out or performing vigorous physical activity for the rest of the day.
You might experience a headache after treatment. This can be easily resolved by taking Advil or Tylenol.
There’s a reason why millions of men and women choose Botox – there’s no surgery or recovery time involved and it offers real, noticeable results. Since Botox works by weakening facial muscles, results will start showing within three to seven days. You’ll see deep dynamic wrinkles gradually improve over time, in addition to the early effects seen shortly after treatment. Your results will continue to improve, until about two weeks after the procedure. At that time, the injections will have reached maximum efficacy . The effects of Botox will gradually wear off over the next three to four months, so the wrinkles will need to be re-treated.
