Are you thinking about having botox but wonder if it’s safe? You’re not alone, because although botox is a very popular anti-wrinkle treatment, people considering the procedure frequently ask – Is botox safe? Let’s start by taking a closer look at botox and how it works.
What Is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, which is derived from bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Botox was approved for cosmetic use in 2002, but before that, it was FDA cleared for treating medical conditions such as lazy eye and eyelid spasms.
Botox is approved to temporarily reduce the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet in people 18 to 65 years of age. When botox is injected into the facial muscles it blocks signals from the nerves that cause the muscles to contract. As the muscles relax, wrinkles become less noticeable.
Is Botox Safe?
Botox has a very safe history when used to treat wrinkles and fine lines. Research studies that have been carried out confirm the safety of botox for short and long-term use. Although botox is derived from a life-threatening toxin it is very safe when used in small, targeted doses.
Adverse effects related to the cosmetic use of botox are rare, and usually occur when the patient has an underlying condition. Botox should therefore not be used by people with muscular or neurological disorders. It is also not recommended for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Common side-effects of botox include minor swelling and bruising in the treatment area as well as redness. Other possible side effects include droopy eyelids and weakness of the muscles.
While there are risks associated with the use of botox, when treatment is administered by trained, experienced medical professionals, there is minimal risk of side-effects and complications.
Would you like to learn more about botox? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.
If you are in the Reno, NV area, Renew MD is our featured practice.
You can reach them at https://www.renewmdreno.com/, or by calling 775-852-4500.