Botox Injections: Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Results

For those in Southampton looking for a solution to aging skin, Botox can be a worthwhile treatment. Botox Injections in Southampton – non-surgical procedure provides quick, tangible results that last months. No procedure is without its risks. At Absolute Smile, we’re dedicated to providing our patients with all their treatment options so they can make fully informed decisions. Let’s look at the procedure and risks for Botox injections.

The Purpose of Botox

For those unfamiliar with Botox injections, it can seem counterintuitive to use for cosmetic treatments. After all, onobotulinumtoxinA, the chemical used in Botox, is a botulinum toxin. The danger in botulinum comes in how it’s ingested and how much. However, what makes it a toxin also makes it a very effective treatment for conditions like overactive bladder, lazy eye, neck spasms, and yes, wrinkle reduction.

For wrinkle reduction, Botox relaxes the muscles that contract to form wrinkles around your mouth, eyes, and forehead.

The Botox Procedure

We perform Botox injections here in our offices. We use a thin needle to inject a tiny amount of Botox just under your skin, into the surface muscles that contract and cause wrinkles. The number of injections can vary, depending on several factors, including the area we’re treating.

Once the procedure is complete, you’re able to return to your normal activities. You should avoid touching or rubbing the treated areas for 24 hours. During this time, we also encourage patients to avoid excessive exercise that would cause sweating.

The Risks of Botox

The precautions we advise our patients following their Botox treatments are related directly to the risks associated with Botox. When performed by experienced professionals, like those here at Absolute Smile, Botox injections are relatively safe.

Minor side-effects can occur but should fade (if they persist, consult with your doctor). These include,

Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
Headache
Flu-like symptoms
Droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows
Crooked smile or drooling
Eye dryness or excessive tearing

We advise our patients to avoid touching the treated areas because while rare, it is possible for the toxin from your Botox injection to spread to other parts of the body. If you notice any of these side effects occur, hours or weeks after injection, call your doctor right away:

Muscle weakness
Vision problems
Trouble speaking or swallowing
Breathing problems
Loss of bladder control

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to cow’s milk protein, you should avoid Botox injections.

The Results of Botox

Our Southampton patients love Botox treatments because of the quick results the provide. You will usually see results from your injections within one to three days. You will notice the wrinkles you normally see in the treated areas (for example, crow’s feet from the corner of your eyes) no longer forming. These results typically last for four months. When wrinkles begin to appear again, we can provide follow-up injections to keep your skin looking youthful.