Botox

In 19th-century Europe, botulinum toxin injections, now known as Botox, were first used to treat various medical conditions. Then in the early 1950s, it was introduced as a treatment for crossed eyes (strabismus). The FDA approved injections of botulinum toxin treatment in 2002, and since then, it has become the most popular cosmetic procedure worldwide. Over 3.6 million Botox treatments were performed in the United States alone in 2021.

If you’re searching online for Botox in Oakton, Alexandria, Springfield or Botox Virginia, visit Dr. Allingham at Oakton Primary Care Center today! Visit our office at 2915 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 11, Oakton, Va. Call or text (703) 255-1191 to schedule an appointment or fill out the contact form.

What Is Botox?

Botox is a drug made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum called botulinum toxin. It is used medically to treat certain muscular and nerve conditions and cosmetically to remove the appearance of wrinkles.

It works by entering your nerve endings and blocking nerve signals that tell muscles to contract. When injected into the muscle, it causes temporary muscle paralysis. Botox is relatively safe and effective when used correctly and in small doses.

Botox Treatment Areas

Botox is often used to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles by temporarily relaxing facial muscles. The most common treatment areas are on the face, including the:

• Eyebrows. This procedure can help lift drooping eyebrows and give you a more alert, youthful appearance. This common procedure is called a brow lift.
• Forehead. Botox can help smooth out horizontal forehead wrinkles and frown lines that come with age and may make you look angry or tired. These lines are often called “11s” because the wrinkles on the forehead resemble the number 11.
• Eyelids. When injected into the eyelid muscles, Botox can help reduce drooping eyelids, crow’s feet, and the wrinkles that fan out from the corners of your eyes.
• Lips. Lip Botox injections are now one of the more popular cosmetic procedures. They can help give you fuller, more youthful-looking lips. Another benefit is Botox can be used to improve the appearance of a “gummy smile,” where too much gum tissue shows when you smile.
• Neck. A common sign of aging is the development of “bands” on the neck. These are usually due to muscle contraction and can be improved with Botox injections.
• Jawline. For some people, the muscle on the sides of the jaw can become enlarged due to clenching or grinding teeth. This can give the face a squarer appearance. Botox injections in this area can help soften the muscle and improve the contour of the jawline.
• Breast areola after breast surgery. After breast surgery, the areola (the dark area around the nipple) can become enlarged. This is due to the contraction of muscles in the area. Botox can help relax these muscles and reduce the size of the areola.

The Botox Procedure

Getting Botox is a minimally invasive procedure and can be done in your doctor’s office. Depending on the number of areas being treated, the procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour with little to no downtime.

Here are some things you can expect:

Before the Procedure

Your doctor will examine the area or areas to be treated and ask about your medical history and if you have received any other botulinum toxin products in the past few months. They may also ask if you have had any previous allergic reactions to Botox. They will also ask if you have allergies, especially to cow’s milk protein or human albumin.

You will be instructed to stop taking certain prescription medicines, such as aspirin-like products, blood thinners, and muscle relaxants, at least two weeks before the procedure. Be sure to tell your doctor about your medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines.

During the Procedure

Your doctor will clean the area with an antiseptic and inject the Botox into the muscle with a fine needle. The injections are usually given in multiple sites in the muscle group being treated. You may feel a slight sting or pressure, but the injections are generally not painful.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, you may have some redness and swelling at the injection sites. This is normal and should go away within a few hours. Depending on where you receive the Botox injections, other side effects may include dry mouth, double vision, blurred vision, an upset stomach, or loss of bladder control, although these side effects are not common.

Typically, you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on taking care of the injection sites, like not to rub or massage the area for at least 24 hours after. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid any complications.

Botox Treatments

People often think of Botox as a cosmetic procedure to reduce wrinkles, but it has many other medical uses that can be of real benefit to those who need relief for the following:

Migraines and Headaches

Severe headaches and migraines can be debilitating and make it hard to function. Botox is an effective treatment for both migraines and tension headaches. Botox is injected into the muscles in the head and neck, which helps to relax them and reduce head and neck pain. The effects usually last about three to six months.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or clenching happens because the muscles in the jaw are too tight. This can lead to pain in the jaw and face and cause headaches. Botox injections into the jaw muscles can help relax them and reduce pain.

Jaw Pain

Botox can also be used to treat TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. This is a condition that causes pain in the jaw joint and muscles. Botox injections into the muscles can help to relieve pain and improve function.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a condition that can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. This happens because the sweat glands are overactive. Botox can be injected into the skin to block the signals from the nerves that stimulate sweating, which can help to reduce sweating in the treated area.

Foot Pain

Botox can also be injected into the muscles in the feet to relieve pain. This is often done for people with plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. The injection of Botox into the muscle can help to relax it and reduce pain.

Eye Issues

Botox can treat many different eye conditions, including crossed eyes, lazy eye, and blepharospasm (eyelid muscle contraction). Botox injections into the muscles around the eye can help to improve function and relieve pain. For lazy eye (strabismus) and crossed eyes (amblyopia), the injections are usually done in multiple sessions over a period of time.

Calf Reduction

Some people have large calf muscles that can make the legs look bulky. Botox injections into the muscles can help to reduce their size and improve the appearance of the legs.

Overactive bladder

Overactive bladder is a condition that causes frequent and urgent urination. In 2021 it was estimated that this condition affected 33 million people in the United States. Botox can be injected into the bladder to help relax the muscles and reduce overactive bladder symptoms. This works because when the muscles are relaxed, they don’t contract as much, and the bladder can hold more urine. 

Stomach issues

Botox can be injected into the stomach to help treat gastroparesis. This is a condition where the stomach muscles don’t work properly, and food doesn’t move through the digestive system properly. Botox into the stomach muscles can help relax them and allow food to move through more easily.

Risk of Botox

As with any medical or cosmetic treatment, there are risks involved with getting Botox. The most common side effects are bruising, swelling, and pain at the injection site. These usually go away within a few days. There is also a risk of infection, but this is rare.

A more serious side effect is botulism. This is when the botulinum toxin spreads through the body and causes paralysis. This is rare and usually only happens if the Botox is injected into a vein.

Despite the risks, Botox is generally safe and has been used for over 30 years. It is important to talk to Dr. Allingham about the risks and benefits of any treatment before you decide to have it done.

Botox in Oakton VA

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Allingham and his team at Oakton Primary Care Center are experts in Botox treatments. If you’re searching for Botox in Oakton VA, Botox in Alexandria VA or Botox in Arlington VA we can help you achieve the results you’re looking for, whether therapeutic or cosmetic.

Make an appointment today to learn more about what Botox can do for you! Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call or text (703) 255-1191 or complete the online booking form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Botox hurt?

Some people feel a slight sting when the needle goes in. The area may also feel tender for a day or two after the injection. But typically, no, Botox does not hurt.

How long after Botox can you lay down?

You should not lie down for four hours after Botox. This is because there is a risk that the toxin could spread to other parts of your body.

How often should you get Botox?

The effects of Botox usually last for three to four months. After that, the muscles will start to contract again, and you may want to consider getting another injection.

Can you drink after Botox?

Yes, you can drink after Botox. There is no need to worry about the toxin spreading if you have a drink. However, you should avoid alcohol for 24 hours if you have bruises where you received the injection.

What is baby Botox?

Baby Botox is a popular term for a very small amount of Botox. It is injected into the forehead to reduce wrinkles and give the face a more youthful appearance.

Does Botox help acne?

Botox can help to improve the appearance of acne. The injections work by relaxing the muscles around the pores, which can help to reduce the size of the pores and the amount of oil that is

produced, resulting in fewer breakouts.

Where not to inject Botox?

You should not inject Botox into any inflamed, red, or infected area. Injecting Botox into an area that is not suitable can cause serious side effects.

Can I wash my face after Botox?

Yes, you can wash your face after Botox. There is no need to worry about the toxin spreading if you wash your face. However, you should avoid using harsh cleansers or exfoliants for 24 hours if you have bruising.

Can you wear makeup after Botox?

Yes, you can wear makeup after Botox.

Can you fly after Botox?

Flying after just having Botox is generally not a problem. There is no need to worry about the toxin spreading if you fly.

Can you work out after Botox?

You can work out after Botox, but you should avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours if you have any bruising.

Is Botox covered by health insurance?

Most health insurance plans do not cover Botox for cosmetic purposes. Speak to your insurance provider to find out what insurance coverage you have.