Botox

Your healthcare provider uses a fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the treatment area. Depending on the issue, you may receive several injections in different spots. Here’s what else you need to know about Botox therapy:

• Botox is an outpatient procedure. You’ll be able to go home the same day.
• Discomfort is usually mild. The injections may sting and feel uncomfortable, but the procedure is over quickly. Your healthcare provider might apply a topical numbing agent to your skin before giving injections.
• You may be given anesthesia. If you’re receiving injections for an overactive bladder, you may receive local or regional anesthesia.

Unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, you can return to work and most activities immediately after treatment. To reduce redness, swelling or bruising:

• Don’t rub or put pressure on the treatment area for 12 hours.
• Stay upright (don’t lie down) for three to four hours.
• Avoid physical exertion for 24 hours.

Side effects from botulinum toxin injections vary depending on the area receiving treatment. Most issues are mild and improve in a day or two. Possible Botox side effects include:

• Pain, swelling, redness or bruising at the treatment site.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Headache.
• Neck pain.
• Upset stomach (indigestion).
• Temporary drooping eyelids (ptosis).
• Eye irritation or redness.

Botox injections are relatively safe. Still, you shouldn’t get this treatment if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have:

• Neuromuscular disease.
• Drooping eyelids (ptosis).
• Weak facial muscle.