Skin Tightening: How To Use Botox Safely?

Apart from being used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, Botox is also used for treating muscle conditions, like eye twitching, excessive sweating, overactive bladder, and chronic migraines.

Use Botox Safely:

Botox and dermal fillers are the most popular anti-aging treatments today. Unlike dermal fillers, which add fullness to areas that have thinned out due to aging, like cheeks and lips, Botox only corrects dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, like crow’s feet around the eyes, lines on the forehead, and lines caused by frowning, smiling, or other expressions.

If you’re considering a Botox treatment, you should be aware of the safety measures to be taken and have realistic expectations of what Botox can do.  Botox is a temporary treatment and repeated sessions are necessary for continued wrinkle reducing effect.

In most cases, the effects of Botox last for three to four months. Since the effect of Botox wears off after some time, it’s use is considered safe. However, in rare cases, it’s still possible to experience side effects, like drooping of the eyelid if injected near the eyes. Having said that, here are ways to ensure a smooth Botox procedure:

• Choose a certified dermatologist or cosmetologist: Going for a non-certified medical practitioner can save you some money, but there is no assurance that the procedure will be safe and done correctly. Consider the dermatologist’s reputation and experience when choosing one.
• Discuss the procedure with your doctor: Ask your doctor about the procedure and how it will realistically enhance your appearance. Although Botox can make you look younger, it’s not as effective as a surgical procedure, like facelift.
• Discuss your medical history: It’s important to tell your doctor if you’re on any medication before the procedure as Botox may not be advisable for people with certain health conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to refrain from getting Botox. People with neuro-muscular disorders, like myasthenia gravis, may receive Botox with caution since there can be an increased risk of side effects.
• Discuss the side effects: Like with any other procedure, Botox can have side effects. Ask your doctor about the side effects you may face, as well as the recovery period.
• Don’t rub the treated areas: After the treatment, it’s advised not to massage the treated areas as this can lead to the spread of toxins to other parts of the face, which may lead to drooping or facial weakness.
• Botulinum toxin complications:  Although botulinum toxin is considered life-threatening, small doses of it being used in Botox treatments is considered safe. It’s very unlikely that one may develop botulinum toxin complications, but, in rare cases, if this happens, look out for symptoms, like difficulty in breathing, speaking, swallowing, vision problems, loss of bladder control, and general weakness. In such cases, immediately consult your doctor.

Post-Procedure Care:

A post-procedure skin care routine can ensure that your smooth, wrinkle-free, and youthful skin is well-maintained till your next appointment. Here are some best kept secrets to keeping that glow intact in-between appointments:

• Go make-up free on the day of treatment.
• After treatment, the skin may appear blotchy or there may be redness. Applying ice on your face for a few minutes will help reduce skin irritations.
• To avoid skin irritation, don’t use glycolic acid or retinol for 24 to 48 hours post treatment.
• Use an ultra-hydrating moisturizer with ingredients like hydraulic acid and glycerin. The hydrating properties of the moisturizer tend to enhance the smoothing effects of Botox.
• Avoid strenuous exercises, as well as steam or hot showers since heat tends to open up blood vessels and make bruising worse.
• Use at least 30 SPF sunscreen daily as it can protect the skin against a host of complications, like loss of elasticity, pigmentation etc.
•  It’s advisable to sleep on your back post treatment. Moving around too much can move your Botox.
•  Avoid taking painkillers or alcohol as they are blood thinning agents and can have an adverse effect if there is post-procedure bruising.

Conclusion

Although Botox promises to bring back that youthful and wrinkle-free skin of yours, it’s important to do it right. Before you decide to go for a Botox treatment, spend some time finding a qualified and well-experienced dermatologist. Being in the right hands will ensure that your Botox procedure will go smoothly and without any complications.