Posted by: Chicago Arbor Eye Institute in Uncategorized
Every year, millions of people receive Botox injections. For some, Botox is a safe, minimally invasive way to achieve a more youthful appearance.
For others, Botox is an effective treatment for medical issues such as migraines or neck spasms. Whether you want to try Botox to achieve cosmetic goals or improve your well-being, now is the perfect time to visit Chicago Arbor Eye Institute to talk to our expert injector about treatment options.
Keep reading to learn why you should consider Botox in Chicago this winter!
What is Botox?
Botox is a medical-grade protein made of botulinum toxin type A. Botox is a neuromodulator that prevents nerves from sending certain signals. When neurotoxins, like Botox, are injected, the muscles in the treatment area are temporarily immobilized. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
Botox also has medical applications. Targeted use of Botox can also block nerves from carrying pain signals or relax muscles that are causing painful spasms.
However, the effects of botox are temporary. They usually last about 12 weeks.
Cosmetic Botox is not covered by insurance. If you need Botox for medical reasons, check with your insurance company to find out if it might be covered.
What Can Cosmetic Botox Do?
Botox and similar neuromodulators are the most popular minimally invasive cosmetics treatment in the United States. Millions of people choose Botox to address signs of aging, so they look younger and feel better about their appearance. It’s an effective treatment for minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, lifting dropping skin, and managing mild facial asymmetry.
Smoothing Dynamic Wrinkles
Wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead lines are considered dynamic wrinkles because they are exacerbated by the movement of the muscles. When a facial muscle is immobilized, the muscle tissue relaxes, giving the skin above it a smoother appearance.
Injecting Botox into the muscles in those areas relaxes them so wrinkles aren’t visible. In addition, the limitation on muscle movement means that wrinkles won’t get more pronounced during the time the Botox is effective.
Give Your Eyebrows a Slight Lift
One popular treatment is called the “Botox Brow Lift.” For some people, Botox can be strategically injected to immobilize muscles around the eyes and brows, giving the eye area a lifted appearance without surgery.
This can give the brows a slight lift and make the eyes look more open. Botox can also be used to minimize asymmetry; some people find that one eye or eyebrow droops more than the other. Botox can help make the eyebrows more symmetrical.
Reducing The Appearance Of A Gummy Smile
A gummy smile occurs when the muscles of the upper lip contract in a way that pulls the lip higher than the gumline. This may make you feel self-conscious about your smile.
Injecting Botox in the muscles between the upper lip and nose reduces the amount of movement when you smile. The upper lip doesn’t rise as high, so your smile doesn’t reveal your gums.
The muscles at the corners of the mouth and cheek are unaffected, so you can still smile broadly and naturally.
Softening Vertical Neck Bands
The neck is one of the areas of the body that shows changes with age. The skin can grow thinner, which emphasizes the appearance of neck bands.
The platysma muscles stretch from the lower jaw to the collarbone. Over time, those muscles can droop and separate.
That can lead to the formation of jowls, lax skin, and static neck bands.
Botox can relax the platysma muscles, which makes the neck look less tense and reduces the appearance of vertical bands.
What Can Therapeutic Botox Do?
Botox is a versatile treatment that can help with medical conditions caused by irregular muscle movements or overactive neurotransmitter reactions. Many people rely on Botox injections to manage conditions like migraines or neck spasms that cause significant pain.
Managing Eye Muscle Disorders
Strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes, can result in crossed eyes, vision issues, and eye strain. Small, precise doses of Botox can be used to relax the muscles that are contributing to eye misalignment.
The treatment is appropriate for both adults and children, and it can delay or prevent the need for eye surgery. Botox for eye misalignment should only be administered by a trained professional with experience in managing eye health.
Alleviating Chronic Migraines
Botox is an effective preventative for chronic migraines. The neuromodulating effects of Botox mean it can reduce the release of certain neurotransmitters that contribute to migraines.
The Botox is injected into the muscles of the head and neck to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. The treatment is approved for people 18 and older who experience 15 or more headache days per month, with headaches that last at least four hours.
Treating Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
One of the most popular non-cosmetic uses for Botox is to treat excessive sweating. Botox can block the release of the neurotransmitter that signals sweat glands to start perspiring.
Treatment is effective in areas like the underarms or palms of the hands, so you won’t have to worry about stained clothing or clammy handshakes. It’s a localized treatment, meaning that sweating is only controlled in the area where Botox was injected.
You will still be able to produce sweat, so your body can cool itself.
Reducing Muscle Spasms
There are certain medical conditions that result in muscle spasms that can be painful and limit mobility. Cervical dystonia affects the neck muscles, causing them to contract and twist into uncomfortable positions. Botox injections can immobilize the muscles in question and prevent spasms.
Are you ready to try Botox in Chicago? Schedule an appointment at Chicago Arbor Eye Institute in Chicago, IL, today!
