Botox

What is Botox?

Botox is the term used to describe injections with botulinum toxin type A, but it’s also the name of the most popular brand of injection containing the substance. Foothill Dermatology Medical Center offers Botox and Jeuveau®, another injectable that works in the same way and for some of the same intended purposes. 

Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin that influences your motor nerves. It only affects the motor nerves in targeted areas, so you don't have to worry about losing all muscle function nearby. Botox and Jeuveau stop your motor nerves from sending communication signals to muscles, especially those that cause unintentional or unwanted muscle contractions.

What can Botox treat?

When your dermatologist safely places your injections in specific targeted areas, Botox can successfully treat a few different features and skin conditions. During your treatment consultation, your dermatologist goes over Botox as well as any other treatments you can consider for your issue. 

In the realm of dermatology, botulinum toxin injections are among the recommended treatments for:

Fine lines and aging features

Collagen loss and sun exposure are two major contributors to wrinkles, but it’s less common knowledge that muscle contractions also contribute to many fine lines on the face. Botulinum toxin temporarily relaxes contractions leading to frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, chin creases, and some other prominent lines. 

Hyperhidrosis

Sweating serves the purpose of cooling you down when you overheat. However, people with a condition called hyperhidrosis sweat far beyond their body’s temperature regulation needs. Botox temporarily blocks the nerve signals stimulating your sweat glands. Jeuveau is not yet approved by the FDA for this purpose. 

How long does Botox stay active?

Botox for any purpose is a temporary fix, but your dermatologist can work with you to get injections of either Botox or Jeuveau regularly at Foothill Dermatology Medical Center to maintain your results. In a typical case, Botox and Jeuveau stay active for 4-6 months, but sometimes longer. 

Will I need downtime after Botox injections?

Botulinum toxin injections like Botox and Jeuveau generally do not require any downtime, but you might choose to take the rest of the day off for your own convenience and to give the swelling a chance to go down. You should avoid rubbing the skin in the treated areas for several days to make sure the product stays in place. 

If you have any concerns that Botox can treat, call Foothill Dermatology Medical Center or request an appointment online for a Botox or Jeuveau consultation today.