Why is this procedure done?
Botulinum toxin is also known as Botox. It has many uses in health care. Many people use this drug to help the look of their face. Some people feel it makes them look younger. Botox may smooth the wrinkles on the face. It can also be used to remove frown lines between your eyebrows. Botox works by blocking nerve signals to muscles. Then the muscle becomes weaker and cannot contract as well. The targeted area will then show less lines and wrinkles. ‚
What will the results be?
In 5 to 7 days your unwanted lines will look better. They will be less easy to see or will be gone. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may take pictures of the area being treated.
- Your doctor will talk with you about good skin care.
- Avoid sun exposure and hair removal in the area to be treated a few days before the procedure.
- Avoid alcohol since this can thin the blood and increase the chances of bruising after the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
Your doctor may do this procedure in their office or a clinic. You may also have it done in a hospital. The doctor will clean the area to be treated. You may also be given some numbing drugs into the treatment area. The Botox is injected right into the area with wrinkles or lines. It will take about 5 to 20 minutes to finish. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home right away after the shots. Ask your doctor if it is OK for you to go back to work or to do your normal activities. ‚
- Avoid lying down for 1 to 4 hours after the treatment. Also, do not massage the area for 6 to 8 hours.
- Avoid being out in the sun for the next 1 to 2 days.
- Avoid drinking alcohol for the next 1 to 2 days.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
This procedure is generally safe. Some problems include redness, bruising, and pain at the area where the shot is given. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Problems breathing, swallowing, or speaking
- Eyelids sag or problems with eyesight
- Feeling very weak at the part where the shot was given
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Plastic Surgeons ‚
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/botulinum-toxin.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/MedicineOverview.aspx?condition=Wrinkles&medicine=botulinum toxin type a&preparation=Botulinum toxin type A 50unit powder for solution for injection vials ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚