In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, many people opt for non-invasive cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate their appearance. Botox®, for example, is one such treatment where injections are placed in specific areas to temporarily stop muscle contractions that cause fine lines and wrinkles. To make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you, below is a brief overview of what the Botox serum contains, how it’s helpful, and what treatment entails.

What Botox Is

Botox is a drug that contains onobotulinumtoxinA. To reduce the toxin’s potency, it’s mixed with saline before being injected into the tissue. The toxin manipulates the nervous system by impeding the release of acetylcholine, which prompts muscle contractions. 

Who Should Consider It

When injected into neuromuscular tissue, Botox causes temporary muscle paralysis. Stopping the contractions can minimize frown and forehead lines as well as wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

The serum can also adjust muscle imbalances to stop lazy eye, relax limbs for people with cerebral palsy, block pain signals that cause chronic migraines, and restrict nerve stimulation that causes overactive sweat glands.  

What to Expect

To reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising, a doctor might advise you to stop taking blood thinners before the procedure. You will also be asked about other medications to prevent adverse reactions.

The physician might use a numbing agent to prepare the injection area. How many shots you get depends on the condition being treated.

So the toxin doesn’t spread, refrain from touching the area for 24 hours. You should notice a difference within three days.

With follow-up appointments, the results should last at least three months.

For Botox procedures performed in a safe, clean setting, contact David K. Hiranaka, M.D., D.M.D. Based in Kailua-Kona, HI, and serving patients in Waimea, Hilo, Pahoa, Puapuaa, and Ahupua‘a for over 25 years, Harvard-educated Dr. Hiranaka provides Botox treatment as well as laser hair removal and facial cosmetic surgery. For a consultation, call (808) 326-2040. See before and after photos on the practice’s website and Facebook page.