Botox® Injections

123

Botox® Injection - The Procedure

Botox® is a simple, non-surgical procedure. Dr. Swift will have you contract the muscle area to be treated so she can determine appropriate injection sites. Then targeted injected areas may be numbed with an ice pack or a topical numbing agent. Anesthesia may or may not be used. Finally, the doctor will administer several tiny injections of Botox® directly into the muscle. Only the injected areas will be "paralyzed." It will not affect anywhere else in your body.

Would you like to know more about Botox® Injections? Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Mary Swift.

How long is the procedure?

The length of the procedure depends on the number of injections needed as determined by the doctor. Still, it is reasonable for the procedure to be completed within 10-30 minutes.

What, if any, hospital stay is required?

Because the procedure is non-surgical and done in the office, there is no hospital stay required.

Will I need a driver?

No. Botox® will not limit your driving ability.

How much pain is there?

The pain associated with this procedure is due to the injections, but it is generally minimal and brief. Some patients have likened it unto a "bug bite" or "prick". Pain can be reduced by numbing proposed injection sites with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. If you are scared of needles the doctor may offer you Happy Gas.

What is the recovery like?

Because the procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, it is highly likely that the patient can return to normal activities immediately. However, to avoid spreading the toxin to other muscles, patients should not rub or massage the area injected and remain upright for many hours. Physical activity should also be limited for a time.

Risks, Limitations & Possible Complications

As with any medical procedure there are possible risks and side effects. Since this is a non-surgical procedure, the risks and possible complications are infrequent, minimal and temporary. The most common reported side-effects are headaches, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, and nausea. Less commonly reported effects are pain, redness at spot of injection, and muscle weakness. These symptoms are thought to connected with the injection and occur within the first week. There could also be bruising at the injection site. Another limitation to Botox® injections is that there is a possibility of developing antibodies that would render the treatments less and less effective over time. This resistance could be delayed by using the lowest effective dose possible over the longest intervals of time. Botox injections should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.