Aging comes with a whole host of unexpected changes in our physical appearance. With that can also come new insecurities that no amount of moisturizing, diet, or exercise can make go away. While there’s no cure yet for growing old, there are a number of cosmetic treatments available to reduce how much of an effect aging has on our physical appearance. Perhaps the most famous of all of these treatment options is Botox. But what exactly is Botox, and how does it work? And is it safe for you to use?
How does botox work?
Botox uses small, concentrated doses of a toxin (botulinum toxin) to block certain nerve signals and muscle contractions. It’s FDA-approved for several cosmetic and medical conditions (shown below). Because of its long history as an effective treatment, it’s one of the most widely-used and commonly known injection therapy options — especially in regards to cosmetic procedures.
How long do the effects of Botox last?
For cosmetic uses, the effects of Botox can last anywhere from three to six months. In general, it takes less than a week for the treatment to settle in and take effect, from which point the facial muscles begin to relax and the wrinkles recede.
What is a good age to get Botox?
Unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional, patients seeking Botox injections should be at least 18 years of age and in generally good health. If you are pregnant or have underlying neurological or muscular conditions, you should not receive Botox treatments.
Does insurance cover Botox treatments?
For Botox cosmetic treatments, they are considered an elective procedure and not covered by insurance. However, Botox treatments for medical conditions — such as migraines (see list below) — can be covered by insurance. However, sometimes insurances will require proof that other alternatives have failed before covering Botox treatments.
Conditions Treated With Botox
Cosmetics
By far the most commonly associated treatments with Botox are facial cosmetic procedures. Botox can counteract facial wrinkling by relaxing the underlying muscles and smoothing out lines on the surface of the skin. It can also prevent future wrinkling by reducing or preventing contraction of those muscles. The most common cosmetic uses for Botox are:
- Forehead Wrinkles
- Wrinkles and lines around the eyes (e.g. crow’s feet)
Certain Medical Conditions
Because Botox works to relax muscle contractions, it can also be used on a number of medical conditions that are caused by overactive or malfunctioning muscle movements. Some of the most common include:
- Lazy eye
- Chronic migraines
- Bladder dysfunction
- Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
- Muscle contractures / spasticity
- Cervical dystonia (abnormal neck position)
5 Benefits of Botox
Though not a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle, Botox has a number of benefits for both cosmetic and medical uses. Some of these include:
- Minimally invasive, non-surgical alternative to plastic surgery
- Smoother facial appearance
- Treating medical conditions caused by overactive/malfunctioning muscles
- Reducing unwanted, excessive sweating
- Relieving chronic pain from migraines, neck spasms, and more
Botox Services at Nurse Practitioners of Florida
At Nurse Practitioners of Florida, we have a dedicated team of certified nurse practitioners who have an unwavering commitment to providing you with care and compassion. When you call any of our locations, you will be greeted by a live person who’s ready to offer acute medical care as well as cosmetic measures — including Botox. And, above everything else, you will be treated like family.
If you need assistance, call us or fill out our online contact form.