At RefineU MedSpa in Oklahoma City, OK, we love helping our clients address their cosmetic concerns without surgery. One of the most popular treatments we offer is BOTOX, an injectable muscle relaxant that has been FDA-approved for treating many areas. To help you decide if this treatment is appropriate, keep reading to discover where it can be used, and much more.
What Areas Can Be Treated With BOTOX?
BOTOX can be used to treat just about any region of the body experiencing symptoms of overactive muscles. It is usually used to treat crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, glabellar lines, and forehead folds. However, it can also improve the appearance of other parts of the face. For instance, it can relax the upper lip muscle, making it look larger. It can also be used to improve the appearance of the chin and neck.
This injectable can also be used to treat medical conditions. As an example, the FDA has approved it for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis usually affects the underarms, but it can also affect the hands and feet.
HOW SOON WILL I BE ABLE TO ENJOY MY DESIRED RESULTS?
You will be able to enjoy your desired results approximately 10 days after your injection session. However, you should understand that several factors affect how long the development of your desired results takes. For instance, you may see your desired results just one week after your treatment session if you are only treating mild cosmetic concerns.
If you are treating severe cosmetic concerns, you may need to wait two weeks before you are satisfied with your appearance. It may be a month before you achieve satisfactory results if you are treating a medical condition, like hyperhidrosis, and you need two treatment sessions to achieve your desired results.
How Soon Will I Notice an Improvement?
You may notice an improvement in your appearance just 24 to 96 hours after your injections are administered. Typically, the more mild your concerns are, the sooner you will be able to start seeing the effects of the muscle relaxation. To start seeing your desired results as quickly as possible, you should follow all aftercare guidelines very carefully and diligently.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS OF MY TREATMENT LAST?
How long you can expect your desired results to last depends on several factors, including the severity of the concerns you’re treating, the areas you’re treating, and your lifestyle choices. As a general rule, you can expect longer-lasting results if you are treating mild or moderate cosmetic concerns. If you are treating severe concerns, you may need more frequent follow-up appointments, especially during the first year of treatment.
What Can I Do To Extend the Longevity of My Results?
There are several steps you can take to enjoy your BOTOX results longer. One of the simplest things you can do is to come in for touch-up sessions as soon as you notice your optimal results fading. Remember, the less tense your overactive muscles are, the longer they will remain relaxed once they are treated.
Another highly effective step you can take to extend your BOTOX results is to stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized. This helps to support your skin’s collagen and keep it volumized. The more volumized your skin is, the longer it will take to see your skin wrinkle due to the underlying wrinkled muscles.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
You should qualify for this treatment if you are at least 18 years old and you want to treat muscle hyperactivity. However, you need to sit down with us and discuss your medical history, current health, and goals. You may not qualify for this treatment if you have a history of anaphylaxis, and this treatment is not appropriate for people who are allergic to bovine protein.
You also will not be able to receive this treatment if your skin is irritated when you come in for your appointment. Therefore, you should take steps to prevent skin irritation before your treatment session. Additionally, to be considered a good candidate for this treatment, you should have realistic expectations about the entire process from preparing for it to the recovery rules you must follow.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY INJECTION SESSION?
To prepare for your BOTOX session, it is crucial that you do not smoke or consume any other tobacco products. It is also essential that you do not drink alcohol for 24 hours prior to your treatment. Furthermore, there are certain drugs and supplements you need to avoid taking before your injection session, such as oral muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, certain sleep aids, and blood-thinning supplements, like fish oil, garlic, and vitamin E.
WHAT AFTERCARE GUIDELINES WILL I NEED TO FOLLOW?
One of the most important aftercare guidelines to follow is to not lie down within four hours of your injectable medication being administered. You also must sleep on your back and keep your head elevated above your heart to help ensure you enjoy optimal, rapid results. It is so important to sleep on your back because sleeping on your stomach or side can negatively affect your results by subjecting the treated areas to too much pressure.
You should also take other steps to protect the treated areas from excess pressure. For instance, you should not apply makeup within 24 hours of your injection session. When you clean your face, you should scrub it and pat it dry gently, and you should avoid excessive sweating and extreme temperature exposure. Furthermore, vigorous exercise should be avoided for a day or two after your treatment.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
There are many areas BOTOX can treat, including the chin, neck, forehead, and eye area. If you are experiencing problems caused by muscle hyperactivity, there is an excellent chance that this injectable can address your concerns safely and effectively. Contact us today at RefineU MedSpa in Oklahoma City, OK to schedule an evaluation and learn more about how we can help you look and feel your best.