Botulism

A woman tells you she is considering botulinum injections to remove wrinkles. What would you tell her about the procedure?

Botulinum injections, otherwise known as Botox, is very common at this point in time. It is actually a poison that is injected into the skin to paralyze the muscular nerve signals. Once those signals are gone, so are the wrinkles. It can help smooth out crow’s feet, forehead furrows, frown lines, and skin bands on the neck. It is injected into the skin in extremely small doses. It generally takes twenty four to seventy two hours to take effect and see results. However, it can take up to five days to see the full result from the Botox.

For the first two to three hours after the treatment you should take it easy. You should also try not to rub the area where the Botox was just injected. After those first two to three hours are over you can resume your regular activities.

There are some side effects to using this treatment. The most common side effect is drooping eyelid, which is only temporary. Some of the other side effects include mild pain at the injection site, headache, mild nausea, influenza-like illness, bleeding, blurred vision, dry mouth, fatigue, hives and rashes, swelling, and wheezing. If you experience any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Results do seem to only be temporary, though. Typically, ideal results only last three to four months. To keep the effect, you will have to get injections several times a year.

While Botox is a reliable form of treatment for wrinkles it is important to note that it is time consuming. Having to go back every few months for another injection can get daunting. Your other option would be to just accept your wrinkles and age confidently. Wrinkles are not a bad thing, they are proof you’ve had a long, wonderful life.

Sources:

What is botox? How does botox work? (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2015, from...