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Botox — it’s everywhere. From interviews with Kim Kardashian’s dermatologist Dr. Lancer to clap backs from Selma Hayek about unconfirmed Botox usage, there’s thousands of stories hitting the web every day about Botox.
In fact, we see it everyday in our lives, too. We see it in our magazines, on our celebrities, and even on our family and friends. And while it’s everywhere, there are still a lot of things that the public gets wrong. So how much do you actually know about the injectable outside of those clickbait articles that show pages and pages of botch cosmetic jobs?
We’re in the business of making sure that no one ever has to have a mishap with Botox, which is why we put together this guide.
If you’re curious about what Botox is, what it can do for you, and what it’s like to try it for the first time, let’s get started.
An OVME membership provides year-long product and service discounts, complimentary weekly B-12 shots, and guaranteed same-day Botox appointments.
So, what is Botox exactly?
Botox is the brand name of the neurotoxin protein developed by Allergan, Inc. Originally invented to help treat crossed or wandering eyes, Botox is most commonly used today to treat the effects of aging and give users a youthful appearance. When applied by a physician, Botox is very effective at treating muscular conditions, and most importantly, for removing wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles.
The bacterium where Botox comes from, clostridium botulinum, is naturally found all over the world, including in forests, lakes, soil, and more. It’s also commonly found in mammals, fish, shellfish, and other animals. For the most part, it’s harmless. But if the bacteria spores transform, it can become a neurotoxin that disrupts the signaling process allowing neurons to communicate. And that is how muscles are frozen.
Because of this, it’s very important, always, to find a licensed cosmetician or doctor that specializes in Botox treatments. Allergan, Inc. even certifies medical aesthetic practices in the nation with a Diamond Certification to prove that they are approved for Botox injections. When in doubt, it’s essential to work with someone who has this certification to ensure you’re getting the best care.
Learn more about services with a certified practice here >>
Is Botox safe?
Botox is a neurotoxin, plain and simple. But it doesn’t mean it is dangerous. When in the hands of the right person, it is considered safe and part of a harmless, temporary solution. That’s why over 7.4 million procedures were performed in the U.S. just last year. From Daddy-Do-Overs to procedures for the 55-and-older group, cosmetic procedures continue to be a solution for men and women to realize their best self.
So when it comes to safety measures, what’s important is to work with a cosmetic practitioner that knows what to prescribe and how to administer safely. If you have any questions about finding the right place to try Botox, learn more here.
Here are a few unknown (and fun) facts about Botox:
- Most procedures last less than 30 minutes.
- It doesn’t just help wrinkles. Botox can also be used to help treat depression, sweating, chronic pain, and migraines.
- Although Botox is very popular today, it was first discovered in the 1800s.
- It can be used for everything from worry and frown lines to lip lines and jowls.
- Botox isn’t permanent. Most procedures last between 3-4 months.
- It is the most common nonsurgical procedure in the U.S.
- Botox should not be used by pregnant or lactating women or by people who have had a reaction to the drug in the past.
What to expect your first time with Botox
This isn’t a subjective question, but because no numbing agents are needed to prep the skin before an injection, a Botox injection is considered relatively painless. The needle is small, thin, and it goes by quickly to decrease the possibility of pain.
We like to say that you can get Botox the day before an event and still look fabulous. While you may experience some redness and soreness immediately after a procedure, by the next day, you should be completely pain-free and back to normal. Within seven days, you’ll see the full results.
If you get to a Botox appointment and they’re asking you to tell them how much Botox you need, you need to leave immediately. Instead, your cosmetic team should be recommending units based on your goals — and your goals only. Your cosmetic team should come up with a personalized treatment plan, answer all of your questions, and make you feel like they will provide the best when it comes to results.
While you do not necessarily need to see a doctor for Botox, you do need to be injected with Botox by a licensed medical professional. If not a doctor, you can also receive services from RNs, NPs, and PAs.
Most people do not experience any side effects, but when someone has an allergic reaction to Botox, these are common symptoms of unintended effects: trouble swallowing, mild pain at the injection site, numbness, dry mouth, fatigue, hives, rashes, and swelling. That’s why we recommend always going to a licensed professional for your cosmetic procedures — it can make the difference between a service you love and one that you love to hate.
You can read about Just Peachy’s Rachel trying Botox for the first time here >>
While Botox and Dysport are both injectables, they are not used to target the same concerns. If you are experiencing fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet, we always recommend trying Botox to achieve your results. If you have moderate to severe lines on your forehead and between your eyes, we may recommend trying Dysport. But remember — we never provide a solution without talking to you about your goals. Cosmetic procedures are best when considering the individual, so we will always discuss possibilities and goals prior to recommending a solution.
You can learn more about the difference between Botox and Dysport here >>
Our honest opinion? No! While your friends and family may be able to notice that you look more youthful, they won’t know your secret unless you tell them! At a medical spa like OVME, we make it our goal to provide the most natural-looking results so that our clients are happy, confident, and pleased with their new results.
Have more questions about what a procedure is like? Read more from Atlanta’s Poor Little It Girl who came in for a Botox appointment with us >>
Ready to try it for yourself?
We’d be happy to help you reach your optimum self at OVME. With locations across the Southeast, we’re the #1 provider for Botox solutions in the region, and we’d be happy to work our magic to help you reach your goals. You can book an appointment, schedule your consultation, and get started on your ideal you here. We can’t wait to see you!
Patient Treatment Documents
-Botox Post Treatment Instructions
Please download and view the Botox post-care instructions to follow after your treatment. Take a moment to view this complete list of side effects and important safety information.
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