What is Botox?
Botox injections are shots that use a toxin to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited time. These shots are often used to smooth wrinkles on the face. They’re also used to treat neck spasms, sweating, overactive bladder, lazy eye and other conditions. Botox shots also may help prevent migraine.
The medicine in Botox injections is made from the same toxin that causes a type of food poisoning called botulism. But the forms of purified botulinum toxin used by licensed health care providers meet medical control standards. These standards were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a rule, the bacteria toxins used for medical purposes are not harmful if used correctly.
Is it for you?
- Neck spasms, also known as cervical dystonia, cause painful and uncontrolled muscle contractions in the neck, leading to uncomfortable head positions.
- Conditions like cerebral palsy can cause muscle spasms, pulling limbs inward, and eye twitching.
- Lazy eye, or misaligned eyes, often results from muscle imbalance.
- Botox can treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), migraines (especially chronic migraines), and urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder.
Steps
- Consultation: See a neurologist or specialist trained in Botox for migraines to discuss your medical history and migraine patterns.
- Pre-treatment assessment: The provider identifies injection sites based on your symptoms, typically including the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck, and shoulders.
- Preparation: Skin is cleansed, and sometimes a topical anesthetic or ice pack is applied to minimize discomfort.
- Injection procedure: Small doses of Botox are injected into targeted muscles responsible for migraine pain, taking about 10 to 15 minutes.
How it is done?
- Make a consultation appointment. Before you get injections, your doctor will need to know which areas to treat.
- Numb the skin. If you’re anxious, a topical numbing cream can be applied prior to the injections.
- Get guides.
- It’s time for the BOTOX.
- Review your results.
Post care
- Return to your normal activities. Botox injections don’t require any recovery time.
- Wait 24 hours to exercise. If exercise is part of your daily routine, wait at least 24 hours to work out.
- Go makeup-free.
- Sit up.
- Ask your doctor about medications.
Popular Questions
To ensure that you get the most out of your experience, we recommend that you don't lie down for 4-6 hours after a procedure. Lying down too soon increases the chances of the Botox migrating to different areas of the face.
Don't get a facial or head massage for a full 24 hours after Botox. You should also avoid rubbing your face in the area that was treated. Don't lie down for at least 1 hour after receiving Botox. Don't go into any saunas, hot tubs, or tanning booths for at least 4 hours.
Allergan recommends that unopened Botox vials be refrigerated between 2oC and 8oC for up to 36 months (if it's the 100U vial) and up to 24 months (if it's the 200U vial). However, the company also announced that the drug remains stable even after five days at room temperature.