5 Interesting Facts About BOTOX®
Wrinkles and other effects of aging will be something we all have to live with at some point in our lives, regardless of how well we care for our skin. Philadelphia’s plastic surgery office of Dr. Timothy Greco recommends that patients who are thinking of having injections like BOTOX® for cosmetic wrinkle reduction do their research and find out more about what options are available to them so they can make the right choice. .
Even though topical products can enhance the appearance of your skin, they’re often less effective on deeper wrinkles that are associated with repetitive muscle contractions. The reason why BOTOX® is effective is because it targets the underlying cause of the wrinkles: muscle contractions beneath the skin that cause the surface to fold and crease.
Continue reading for five more interesting facts about BOTOX®:
1. BOTOX® Can Reduce Sweating
Although it’s famous for temporarily relaxing wrinkle-causing muscles, this injectable has other uses as well. In addition to reducing wrinkles, BOTOX® also treats excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Constantly sweating through your clothes or from your palms can be embarrassing and have a negative impact on your overall quality of life. This injectable works by preventing nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands from triggering sweating.
2. It Was Originally Used for Crossed Eyes
Scientists in the ’70s used botulinum toxin as a treatment for strabismus (crossed eyes)—a condition caused by muscle dysfunction—but discovered that it had the unintended side effect of reducing frown lines in the glabella (the area of skin above the nose and in between the eyebrows on the forehead). Since it’s a muscle relaxant, it also helps with other face and neck spasms.
3. Results Take a Few Days to Show
Unlike facial fillers, you don’t see the results from neurotoxin injectables like BOTOX® right away. Don’t be dismayed if you don’t notice smoother skin a few hours after an injection session. It sometimes takes several days for the skin to not be able to wrinkle as much during your expressions, and this is completely normal. Results are generally better when it’s used to treat finer lines and when a higher number of units are used. It has a slower onset because it takes time for the medicine to settle into the muscles.
4. It Might Feel Strange (But Not Bad)
BOTOX® is not typically painful, but you shouldn’t be surprised if you experience a sensation like mild dullness or heaviness in the forehead area. It can feel odd when you make expressions and may take some getting used to. However, you shouldn’t worry about ending up feeling like an expressionless robot. Some patients even like how they feel when they can’t furrow their brows. It can even put them in a more positive mood—and they look happier to others as a result.
5. There Are Some Activities You’ll Have to Avoid
Minimal recovery time and fast results are two of the major advantages of BOTOX® as you won’t have to take time off of work or school. However, it’s better to relax for the rest of the day and maintain a normal heart rate. It will take some time, as mentioned above, for BOTOX® to settle into the muscles, so there are some precautions that patients will need to take. Wait at least 2 hours before exercising because the physical activity will increase blood flow and could cause the medicine to spread to areas where it wasn’t intended, causing it to be less effective. Avoid touching your face for two hours as well. This also means avoiding professional massages on the treatment areas.
For more details about cosmetic injectables, contact the office of Dr. Timothy Greco. Call (610) 664-8830 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation if you’re ready to get started with aesthetic treatments.