Wellness·10 min read

If You’re Botox-Curious, Read This First

Person Getting Needle Injection in Forehead
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Pexels
May 26, 2022

Staring at Zoom cameras all day (and even all night) has made some people around the world realize two things. One: that “Zoom fatigue” is real. And two: that they want to change their look. Say hello to Botox. While it’s mainly known for tightening up face wrinkles, Botox can also help with medical issues like migraines, TMJ (aka temporomandibular joint) disorders, and bladder issues

But there are risks to keep in mind, too (think: headaches, drooping eyelids, or even difficulty breathing). Here’s what to know before you decide to get your first injection.  

What is Botox?

Botox is a toxin from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When used in small doses, Botox is safe for cosmetic and medical use. Botox injections block signals from your body’s nerves, specifically those that deal with contracting facial muscles (think: areas like the forehead and around the eyes). This allows said muscles to relax, so you appear to have fewer lines. 

But in larger doses, Botox can be dangerous. Scientists have estimated that just a gram of the toxin when “evenly dispersed and inhaled” in its crystalline form could kill one million people. The toxin can also lead to the rare illness botulism, that’s caused by contaminated food, entering wounds, or when it’s injected in high amounts. The toxin can attack the body’s nerves — leading to symptoms like muscle paralysis or even death. 

All that to say this is clearly a procedure you don’t want to play around with. So it might be a good idea to get a referral from your PCP. Or find a doctor that specializes in injecting Botox into the area that you want to be treated. 

What’s the difference between Dysport vs. Botox?

While Botox is the “main character” when it comes to wrinkle reduction, it can be confused with other drugs or cosmetic procedures. For example, Botox and the neurotoxin Dysport both come from the botulinum toxin and relax the muscles. But Dysport mainly focuses on the glabellar lines (aka frown lines) while Botox can be used on those as well as crow’s feet (the wrinkles around the eyes) and forehead lines. For some people, the effects of Botox can wear off sooner than Dysport. And Dysport can show full results within a couple of days whereas Botox might take around two weeks.  

What about Botox vs. fillers?

People also see Botox and fillers as related procedures. But while neither are invasive surgeries, the processes are different. Botox reduces wrinkles and lines. While fillers add plumpness back to areas of the body that have lost it over time (think: the lips and cheeks). The procedure also involves injections into the face with substances like hyaluronic acid. Which add plumpness to the target areas and give the face a different look. 

How does the Botox process work?

The neurotoxin is first diluted in saline and then injected in appropriately small amounts into your skin or muscles. Botox usually has 100 units per vial. But if you're getting the treatment on your forehead, for example, you'll only use about 15-30 units total on the entire area. The areas the practitioner may focus on include:    

  • The forehead…which reduces horizontal wrinkles and vertical frown lines in the area. 

  • The mouth…to minimize the appearance of smile lines (the wrinkles around the sides of your mouth). 

  • The underarms…which can help some people who experience excessive sweating.

  • Medical usage…as in, Botox has been used to help with medical conditions such as cervical dystonia (the neck muscles involuntarily contract, which causes the head to turn or twist to one side or to tilt forward or backward uncontrollably) and spasticity (prolonged muscle contractions causing abnormal muscle tightness). And for those have an overactive bladder.   

People don’t typically report pain when getting Botox done. However, your doctor might recommend topical anesthesia or ice to help make you comfortable. And just a note: It can take up to three days for the toxin to kick in. 

How long does Botox last?

Your first treatment might wear off sooner than treatments in the future. So practitioners recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment soon after. And they recommend waiting at least 14 days to see the full effects. Botox in general can last for three to 12 months (depending on where you’re treated). 

How much does Botox cost?

When it comes to cost, a Botox treatment can run you anywhere from $300 to $2,200. But the price for your individual procedure depends on factors like the area that’s being treated, where you’re located, and the practitioner you chose. 

Your Botox treatment could also be covered by insurance — but it depends on what’s being treated. Insurance doesn’t generally cover Botox treatments when they’re for cosmetic reasons (think: wrinkles). But treatment might be covered if it’s addressing certain medical issues, like migraines or excessive sweating. Speak to your insurance provider to learn more. 

Where might people consider getting Botox injections? 

Botox has the potential to help smooth out your face’s wrinkles. But it can also help the body in other ways, too. It can reportedly be used… 

  • In the jaw for TMJ. Getting Botox might help those dealing with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause pain in the joints and muscles that help move the jaw. A small study found that Botox can potentially increase mouth movement and significantly help with pain for up to three months after treatment. But the FDA has not officially approved Botox to help with TMJ just yet (so it’s being prescribed by doctors off-label). 

  • In the head or neck for migraines. Research has suggested that Botox interrupts the pain pathways in the head that cause migraines. This treatment is FDA-approved. And clinical evidence has shown that Botox for migraines can lead to fewer headaches per month and improved quality of life. 

  • In the bladder for urinary issues. A urologist can inject Botox directly into the bladder to help muscles relax. And studies show it can reduce the number and frequency of “accidents” —giving you more time to make it to the bathroom. The treatment is FDA-approved. 

  • Under the arms for excessive sweating. Botox can be injected in the underarms to treat hyperhidrosis. And it helps block the neurotransmitter that activates the sweat glands. 

What are some of the risks and side effects associated with Botox?

One of the biggest risks of Botox is botulism-like symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, muscle fatigue and even difficulty breathing.

There are other side effects to consider before trying Botox, which include:

  • Pain or swelling around the injection site

  • Headaches

  • Weakness in muscles near the injection site 

You could also see side effects if you do too much Botox. In excess, it can make your facial features appear frozen (see: expressionless). Or cause the areas that were treated to look “droopy.” 

Can you get Botox while pregnant?

More research needs to be done on how Botox affects pregnant people. As of right now, practitioners recommend staying away to keep you and your baby safe. Botox also isn’t recommended for people who are breastfeeding, according to FDA guidelines.

If I'm not up for this, is there a Botox alternative?

If you decide Botox isn’t for you, there are other options. Try treatments like chemical peels (known to help reduce signs of aging and treat pimples) or face patches (also known as “Frownies” or wrinkle patches), aka sticky patches you can place on areas where you have lines to help smooth them out. 

What does Botox aftercare look like? 

If you decide to have a Botox treatment, here are some potential tips

  • Avoid touching the treated area. This helps make sure that the toxin doesn’t spread to other areas of the body (don’t touch for at least one day). 

  • Don’t exercise for 24 hours. Doing a workout after your treatment can increase your blood flow – which can cause the toxin to spread and reduce its effectiveness. 

  • Don’t drink alcohol after treatment. Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours after getting Botox to not increase your chances of bruising.  

theSkimm

Botox can help with numerous concerns around the body (like issues in your jaw, underarms, and bladder). And it’s unique from other treatments like fillers and Dysport. But there are risks involved with the procedure. So be sure to do your research and talk to a doctor about any treatments you’re interested in. 

Botox is to anti-wrinkle injections what Chapstick is to lip balm — it’s so popular that the brand name is often used to describe the whole category. While it’s mainly known for tightening up face wrinkles, Botox can also help with medical issues like migraines, TMJ (aka temporomandibular joint) disorders, excessive sweating, and bladder issues

But there are risks to keep in mind, too. Here’s what to know before you decide to get your first injection.  

What is Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Yes, you read that right. But it is generally considered safe to use in small doses. Botox blocks signals from your nerves — which is why it’s a “neurotoxin”— to temporarily prevent a specific muscle from moving. Paralyzing facial muscles can mean fewer, more smoothed-out wrinkles…while the effects last. And forcing muscles to relax elsewhere in the body may help treat certain medical conditions. 

What’s the difference between Dysport vs. Botox?

While Botox is the “main character” when it comes to wrinkle reduction, Dysport is another muscle-relaxing toxin from the botulism bacteria.  But for some people, the effects of Botox can wear off sooner than with Dysport. And Dysport can show full results within a couple of days whereas Botox might take around two weeks.  

What about Botox vs. fillers?

Botox reduces wrinkles and lines. While fillers add plumpness back to areas of the body that have lost it over time through injections with substances like hyaluronic acid. 

How does the Botox process work?

You’ll want an experienced provider for this part. Because having a doctor who specializes in administering Botox (such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for cosmetic procedures) will help reduce the risk of side effects. 

Once you and your doctor are ready for the procedure (Read: you’ve asked any questions and discussed your medical history, the dosage, cost, and your expectations), the doctor will inject a small amount of the diluted neurotoxin into the treatment area using a thin needle. 

People don’t typically report pain when getting Botox done. However, your doctor might recommend topical anesthesia or ice to help make you comfortable. 

How long does Botox last?

Botox can last for three to 12 months (depending on the treatment area). Your first treatment might wear off sooner than future treatments. Note: It can take up to three days for the toxin to kick in, and up to 14 days to see the full effects.  

How much does Botox cost?

Botox can run you anywhere from $300 to $2,200. But the price for your individual procedure depends on factors like the treatment area, the practitioner, the number of units (doses) used, and where the treatment is performed. 

Botox could also be covered by your insurance — but it depends on what’s being treated. Insurance doesn’t generally cover cosmetic treatments (think: wrinkles). But coverage may extend to certain medical uses of botox. 

Where might people consider getting Botox injections? 

Botox has the potential to help smooth out your face’s wrinkles. But its muscle-relaxing powers may also help relieve specific types of muscle pain and other medical concerns in places like…   

  • The jaw…to ease pain caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

  • The head or neck…to reduce the frequency of chronic  migraines by potentially blocking pain signals. 

  • The bladder…to prevent involuntary urination in people with an overactive bladder.  

  • Under the arms…to minimize excessive sweating by blocking signals to sweat glands. 

What are some of the risks and side effects associated with Botox?

One thing about Botox that might concern people: it uses the same toxin that causes a rare but serious condition called botulism. This side effect is much less likely to happen if you go to a licensed provider who uses medical-grade, targeted doses. When used in excess, Botox can also make your facial features appear frozen (see: expressionless). Or cause the areas that were treated to look “droopy.” 

Other side effects can include: 

  • Pain or swelling around the injection site

  • Headaches

  • Weakness in muscles near the injection site 

Can you get Botox while pregnant?

More research needs to be done on how Botox affects pregnant people. As of right now, practitioners recommend staying away to keep you and your baby safe. Botox also isn’t recommended for people who are breastfeeding, according to FDA guidelines.

What does Botox aftercare look like? 

If you decide to have a Botox treatment, here are some tips for when you get home: 

  • Avoid touching the treated area for at least one day…This will help make sure that the toxin doesn’t spread beyond the treatment area and lose its intended effect.

  • Don’t exercise for 24 hours…Because working out promotes blood flow, which could cause the toxin to spread. Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before treatment— because doing so can promote bruising. 

theSkimm

While botox is well-known as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, it also has several other medical uses. But there are risks involved with the procedure. So be sure to do your research and find an experienced provider before making any decisions.

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