Rid Yourself of Wrinkles With Botox

In Alexandria, Virginia, patients who are interested in utilizing Botox to help them get rid of wrinkles should speak with a medical professional in their area for a thorough description of the procedure. Patients should seek a qualified clinic that is up to date with the latest healing capabilities and cosmetic procedures available to ensure safety and satisfaction. Botox may be helpful in getting rid of dynamic wrinkles, while static wrinkles may be better left to dermal fillers or surgery.

The difference between static wrinkles and dynamic wrinkles is rather simple. Static wrinkles appear when the face is at rest and no muscles are contracting. These are usually results of the aging process. On the other hand, dynamic wrinkles appear when a facial muscle is contracted. This is common when the person smiles, frowns or makes other facial expressions. They are most common on the forehead, between the eyebrows or around the eyes. For more information about static wrinkles and/or dynamic wrinkles, patients should speak to a medical professional.

Botox works by paralyzing the muscle that is causing the wrinkle. Botox prevents the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle, therefore making sure that the muscle does not contract. Since the muscle cannot contract, the wrinkles cannot form and gradually diminish. This treatment may also help patients with excessive underarm sweating or migraine headaches, but it is most commonly used to treat dynamic wrinkles in the upper third of the face. It may be used on other areas of the face and neck as well.

The injection feels only like a small prick, as the needle used is very small to minimize the discomfort or pain patients may feel during the procedure. There is no recovery time needed, as Botox injections are nonsurgical. Patients are often able to return to their normal daily activities directly following the procedure, which usually takes about 10 minutes to complete.

When Botox is injected into the muscle, it enters the nerve endings and prevents acetylcholine from being released. This is the chemical that causes muscles to contract. The paralysis takes about one to five days to take place and usually peaks about two to four weeks later. The effect of Botox injections gradually wears away, lasting about three to six months in some patients, which may cause the dynamic wrinkle to return. Over time, chemical denervation may occur, which causes the wrinkle to become less responsive after repeat treatments. Patients should speak to a medical professional in Alexandria for more information about gradual chemical denervation and repeat treatments.

Patients who are sensitive to any of the ingredients in the injection may not be able to receive treatment. For this reason, it is important to discuss any allergies or known hypersensitivities prior to receiving any injections. Patients with an infection at the injection site may not be able to undergo this treatment either.

Patients suffering from neuromuscular disorders may be at increased risk of developing clinically significant systemic effects from the injection. Speaking to a medical professional about this possibility is important. However, common side effects of Botox injections may include headaches, flu-like symptoms, respiratory infection, eyelid droop and nausea. Muscle weakness, redness around the injection site and pain may be less common side effects. These side effects are considered associated with the injection and are usually present within the first week of injection.

For more information about Botox injections in Alexandria, Virginia, patients are encouraged to speak to a medical professional in their area.