Despite being an incredibly popular cosmetic treatment, Botox is still a medical procedure that should be taken seriously and administered by a trained, experienced professional. Naturally, you want answers to your questions and concerns before pursuing treatment. Many misconceptions about Botox still exist, and we hope to address your concerns to ease your mind about its safety and effectiveness. If you’re considering Botox but have some lingering questions, we might have the answer for you below.
Q: How Does Botox Work?
The active ingredient, Botulinum Toxin Type A, works to smooth wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing the muscles in the face. It essentially cuts the communication between the nerves and facial muscles, preventing those muscles from contracting. This provides a practical and efficient solution to wrinkles, as opposed to surface-level topical creams that fail to directly affect the source of the problem.
Q: Is It Only Used for Cosmetic Purposes?
Not at all! In fact, many patients use Botox to ease headaches and migraines. When these painful symptoms are the result of muscle tension or spasms in the face or head, Botox can be a more effective treatment than painkillers, and without as many risks. Due to its long-lasting effect, it can ease these symptoms for months at a time, which explains why so many patients turn to Botox for headache relief over other treatments.
Q: How Long Does Botox Last?
On average, treatments last 3-4 months. In other words, the typical person will need 3-4 treatments each year in order to maintain their rejuvenated complexions. Some patients even report that Botox becomes more effective with repeat treatments, meaning that your commitment to a smoother face might well be rewarded even more over time.
Q: How Quick Are Treatments?
Botox treatments can be completed in the span of a lunch break. While it is a recurring commitment, the actual office visit doesn’t take very long at all. That means you can spend more time enjoying your day, worrying less about fine lines and wrinkles.
Q: When Will It Take Effect?
The active ingredient typically begins to work within 3-5 days. Botox usually reaches its maximum effectiveness after two weeks, but you should also see a gradual improvement in your wrinkles and fine lines up to that point. However, with appropriately scheduled retreatments, you should only experience this wait with your first treatment.
Q: Are Treatments Painful?
Almost all patients report that treatments are relatively painless due to the incredible thinness of the needle. A small prick might be felt, and patients with a fear of needles might struggle, but these injections are usually far less painful than, for example, getting a shot or having blood drawn.
Q: What Are the Side Effects?
For most patients, Botox comes with only minor side effects. You may experience a bit of inflammation at the injection sites or headaches for the first few days after treatment. In the rare case, a patient might experience a droopy eyelid. However, this more severe side effect typically only occurs when Botox is injected into the forehead, and it can be avoided by following proper aftercare.
Q: How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of treatment of course depends on how the doctor or dentist chooses to price the procedure. Some medical professionals might charge a flat rate per area treated, while others might charge the patient based on the amount of fluid used, on a per unit basis. In either case, Botox injections might range anywhere from $200 – $1000 in extreme cases, with many treatments costing less than $500.
At My Family Dentistry, we take pride in the affordable, safe, and precise Botox treatments we provide to our Knoxville clients. Contact us with any questions about the treatments we offer, our pricing, and other services.
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