You’re probably heard a lot about Botox. This treatment can smooth away wrinkles and give you the skin of your dreams. If you’re considering Botox, here are some answers to common Botox questions to help you decide if this is the right treatment for you.
## What Exactly Is Botox?
Botox is a cosmetic and medical treatment that contains botulinum toxin. This toxin acts on muscles and can partially paralyze targeted muscles. It blocks signals from the brain that tell the muscles to move, so the muscles stay relaxed. When the muscle doesn’t move, it the skin isn’t pulled into wrinkles. Botox can also prevent muscle spasms, jaw clenching, and even migraine pain.
## Is Botox Safe?
Botox has FDA approval, so it’s perfectly safe. Doses are highly regulated, so you never need to worry about having too much botulinum toxin in your system. Most people report mild discomfort during the injection.
What Happens During a Botox Appointment? 
Botox is a non-invasive treatment that takes less than 30 minutes. Depending on your treatment, the whole appointment will take under 15 minutes. During the appointment, your healthcare professional will inject Botox at several injection sites to give you your desired results. 
## Do I Need a Long Recovery Time?
One of the best things about Botox is that you won’t need to worry about recovery time. You just need a few minutes for the appointment and that’s it! After the injections, we recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. But other than that, you don’t need to disrupt any of your plans.
## Are There Side Effects?
The risk of Botox side effects is low. Botox can sometimes cause some swelling or bruising at the injection site, but many people don’t experience any side effects. You can lower your risk of bruising by avoiding drinking alcohol the day before your appointment and refraining from taking aspirin or any blood-thinning medication.
## When Will I See Results?
You will start seeing results in a couple of days. You’ll see the full effect in one to two weeks. On average, Botox lasts three to six months. After a few Botox treatments, Botox will start to last longer as your muscles are slowly trained to relax.
## What Are the Most Common Injection Sites?
Botox can be injected in many areas. The most common injection sites include the corners of the eyes, between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and around the mouth.
## What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers?
Both Botox and dermal fillers are injectables, but the similarities end there. Botox relaxes muscles to smooth away wrinkles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, actually fill areas of the face. Fillers contain hyaluronic acid that can plump certain areas of the face such as the cheeks or lips. 
## Is Botox Right for Me?
Botox is a safe and effective cosmetic treatment that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make you feel 10 years younger. If you’ve noticed any wrinkles, Botox can help you look and feel your best. 

Book a virtual consultation with one of our doctors and find out more about Botox treatments in the bay area.

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