Though Botox is well-known for its ability to smooth wrinkles, many people are less familiar with its use in pain management and symptom relief for certain medical conditions. Whether you’re considering getting Botox in Wellington or just wondering how the popular procedure works, get informed with our answers to four frequently asked questions about the treatment.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Botox

1. How Does Botox Work? 

Every time you smile, frown, squint, or even raise your eyebrows, your muscles contract, and over the years, these repeated contractions help cause fine lines and wrinkles. Botox addresses one of the underlying causes of wrinkles by blocking certain nerve signals to your muscles, temporarily reducing muscle activity in targeted areas and allowing your face to relax.

2. What Happens During a Botox Procedure?

During your appointment, your provider will numb the treatment area before injecting a small amount of Botox. You will receive multiple injections depending on your treatment area and plan. Botox is a non-invasive procedure with minimal downtime, so you’ll be able to get back to normal life right after your appointment; just remember not to lie down or engage in heavy physical activity for 2–4 hours. You also shouldn’t rub or press the treated area for 24 hours.

You may notice results within 24-48 hours of receiving your injections, while full results could take up to 30 days. Expect your Botox treatment to last for 3-6 months, at which point you may decide to repeat the procedure.

3. What Can Botox Be Used to Treat?

While Botox captured attention in popular culture because of its effectiveness in combatting wrinkles, it has been used for decades to address a variety of cosmetic and medical issues. If you’re not sure whether you qualify for Botox treatments, talk to a qualified healthcare provider to learn more.

Cosmetic Applications

The most common use for Botox injections is to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck. This can include on your:

  • Forehead
  • Eyebrows
  • Crows feet
  • Nose
  • Lips
  • Chin
  • Jawline and neck

Medical Applications

Since Botox temporarily blocks some of the nerve signals that control our muscles, it can be helpful in managing a wide variety of chronic pain, including in your: 

  • Back 
  • Neck
  • Jaw
  • Pelvis
  • Nerves
  • Joints

Injections can also be used to ease symptoms of medical conditions related to the muscular and nervous systems. Eye conditions including misalignment, eyelid twitching, and uncontrollable blinking can be treated with Botox, along with issues like chronic migraine, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating.

4. Can I Get Botox in Wellington? 

Your healthcare provider will be able to tell if Botox is right for you based on your medical conditions and history.

Botox’s ability to control nerve signals gives it a range of cosmetic and medical uses, including smoothing wrinkles, managing pain, and even addressing crossed eyes. The procedure’s minimally invasive nature makes it easy to fit into your busy schedule, especially when you can typically expect the effects to last for months.