If you’re like many people, you know that Botox® injections – or similar products – can help improve your appearance after just one 30-minute appointment. But is Botox safe, and does it come with side-effects that are worse than the conditions you’re trying to treat? This guide explains.
Related: Botox in Ann Arbor
Is Botox Safe?
When you’re looking for an injectable treatment to improve your appearance, Botox may be the ideal solution for you. Botox is generally regarded as safe – as long as you’re working with an experienced doctor who understands what they’re doing. Botox injections are used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles (as well as a wide range of other medical conditions, such as excessive sweating and neck spasms). It can help clear up the wrinkles around your forehead and eyes, as well as those in other areas.
Related: Wrinkle solutions in Ann Arbor
How Botox Works
Botox works by temporarily calming nerve impulses and preventing muscles from contracting to form lines. It’s not permanent, and it doesn’t “freeze your face.” In fact, there are a handful of common myths going around about Botox and treatments like it, which you can learn more about in the following section.
3 Common Botox Myths
There are plenty of myths about Botox and similar treatments, but these are the most common:
- The ingredients in Botox are dangerous
- Botox will prevent you from making facial expressions
- Botox treatments hurt
Here’s a closer look at each.
Common Botox Myth #1: The Ingredients in Botox Are Dangerous
Botox is recognized as safe when applied by a professional. The active ingredient in Botox is botulinum toxin, which experts recognize as safe when applied by an experienced professional. Naturally, you only want botulinum toxin injected by a doctor – and in small enough doses to bring about the desired results. If you’re concerned about side effects, you should talk to your physician.
Related: Can a chemical peel remove wrinkles?
Common Botox Myth #2: Botox Will Prevent You From Making Facial Expressions
Botox doesn’t freeze your face, though this is one of the most common myths about the treatment. In its low dosage – the one used for cosmetic purposes – it’s not strong enough to cause you to lose facial functions (like moving your eyebrows or smiling). It simply calms nerve impulses and prevents the muscles from contracting, and only in very specific, very targeted areas.
Common Botox Myth #3: Botox Treatments Hurt
Most people feel a slight pinch at the injection site when receiving Botox treatments, but that’s it – the needles your doctor will use are very fine, which means you’re not likely to feel any significant discomfort from them.
Related: The basics on facial rejuvenation in Ann Arbor
What Happens After Botox Treatments in Ann Arbor?
If you’ve never used Botox before, you may be surprised that your results aren’t immediate – but it typically takes between 2 and 8 days for results to start showing. You may, however, notice small red bumps at your injection sites; simply leave them alone and don’t massage them (you could move the protein to an unwanted area, where it would affect the wrong muscles).
Your results will continue to improve over time – and usually, they last between 3 and 4 months. During that time, you may start to notice small hints of wrinkles returning; that means your body is absorbing the protein and you may want to schedule another appointment to keep the wrinkles at bay.
Ready to Talk About Botox Treatments in Ann Arbor?
Whether you want to explore your options with Botox treatments or something else, we’ll schedule a free consultation for you. Our Ann Arbor med spa can help you get the look you want, from clear and youthful skin to fat reduction. Call or text us at 734-249-8722 or fill out the form below to get in touch.
