What is a Botox Injection or botox shot?

Botox is a medicine used to temporarily paralyze muscles. For cosmetic purposes, Botox injection is used most frequently in the muscles which cause frowning ( to prevent wrinkles between the eyebrows ), in the forehead ( to prevent the horizontal lines across the forehead ), and in the "crows feet " at the corners of the eyes ( to soften the squint lines/wrinkles ). Once the muscles are paralyzed, they cannot contract and therefore they cannot flex and wrinkle the skin and the skin achieves a smoother appearance. Botox has also been used in the banding muscles of the neck to improve the neck contour. Botox comes as a powder in a sterile vial and is rehydrated with sterile saline. The correct number of "units " of the medicine is then drawn into a syringe and injected after the skin is cleaned with alcohol. The injection goes directly into the muscles which the patient wants affected. The injections are an office procedure which takes about 10 minutes total. There is minimal discomfort and rarely any bruising. Cool compresses are offered after the injections to help minimize discomfort. The effect is seen between 1 to 4 days after injection and is usually a gradual decrease in the ability to move the treated muscles until there is no movement. The results should last 4 months, although some patients experience somewhat longer or shorter duration of action, and to maintain the effect repeat injections would be required once the muscles begin moving again. After repeated injections some patients will get a prolongation in the duration of the Botox effect. It is possible to use selective injection techniques to achieve a modest elevation of the eyebrows or the "Chemical Browlift."  In addition to smoothing the wrinkles of the forehead, this opens the appearance of the eyes and gives a more alert look. Botox has been used for several decades and is safe and effective when used as directed.