What is Botox?

Botox is an injection used for cosmetic and medical purposes. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the nation. Botox blocks signals that cause muscles to contract, temporarily relaxing the muscles. The effects of Botox usually last between 3 and 12 months, depending on the treatment. If you're thinking about getting Botox injections for medical or cosmetic reasons in Miami, ask our certified doctor at The Laser Center of Coral Gables whether or not Botox is right for you.

Botox Uses

Botox is often used to smooth out facial wrinkles to make the patient look and feel younger. These injections are used on the wrinkles between the brows to fix frown lines, near the eyes to correct crow’s feet, in the horizontal creases in the forehead, and the lines at the corner of the mouth. Not only is Botox used for cosmetic reasons, but it can be used to help treat some medical problems including:

• Hyperhidrosis, or severe underarm sweating
• Cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
• Dystonia, which is uncontrollable blinking or eye spasms
• Strabismus, misaligned or crossed eyes
• Chronic migraines when the migraine lasts for at least 4 hours 15 or more days per month
• Overactive bladder

The effects of Botox usually take about 24-72 hours to show. Sometimes, it may take up to 5 days for full results to become apparent.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur when you receive Botox injections. These side effects include:

• Pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Temporary drooping in eyelids may occur with face injections

Though it's rare, severe side effects may occur if the Botox toxins spread throughout the body. These symptoms include muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulty speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, and loss of bladder control. If you experience any of these symptoms within hours or weeks of your injection, call your doctor immediately. Botox is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you live in the Miami area, specifically in Coral Gables, call and schedule an appointment for Botox at The Laser Center of Coral Gables. Whether you are looking to smooth out your face wrinkles or have a health issue you would like to get under control, our experienced doctors will be able to help you look and feel great. For more information about Botox or to schedule an appointment, call us at (786) 886-2090.