What is Botox?
Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating.
How It Works
Botox is a neurotoxin that targets the nervous system, disrupting the nerve signaling processes that stimulate muscle contraction. This is how the drug causes temporary muscle paralysis. In order for any muscle to contract, the nerves release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells. Botox injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, which stops the muscle cells from contracting.
Benefits & Results
We use a fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the treatment area. Depending on the issue, you may receive several injections in different spots. Botox is an outpatient procedure and you will be able to go home the same day. Discomfort is usually mild and the injections may sting and feel uncomfortable, but the procedure is over quickly. We apply a topical numbing agent to your skin before giving injections.
