So, What Does Botox Do?

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What Is Botox and How Does It Work?

Botox Overview

Hi there! I'm Dr. Cristina Caridi, and if you've ever wondered what Botox actually does, you came to the right place. Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments out there, but they do so much more than just smooth out wrinkles. Botox uses a purified form of botulinum toxin to temporarily relax muscles. This can help soften facial lines and also treat a bunch of medical conditions like migraines, excessive sweating, and even overactive bladder!

Botox is the most recognizable brand name for botulinum toxin A (BoNTA), which is used to temporarily paralyze or relax muscles, though now we have several trusted brands that are all safe and effective. These include Xeomin, Daxxify, Juveau, and Dysport. I will refer to BoNTA as Botox in this article for consistency. Botox was first approved to treat eye conditions and muscle spasms, and cosmetic use came later. Botox blocks nerve signals to the muscles being treated, which stops them from contracting. That means smoother skin due to less facial muscle movement and reduced pain from muscle spasm such as in the shoulders or TMJ.

Botulinum toxin comes from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is a serious condition caused by infection with Clostridium botulinum. Botox is a cleaned and purified version, and is safe when used in small amounts. Botox is very safe when administered by a trained medical provider. It is best to avoid it if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular conditions, so be sure to let your provider know about any medical history.

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What can we use Botox for?

Cosmetic Uses:

• Forehead lines
• Crow's feet
• Frown lines
• Lip lines
• Lip enhancement
• Gummy smile
• Reducing flared nostrils
• Lifting the tip of the nose
• Chin dimpling
• Downturned smile
• Neck bands

Medical Uses:

• Migraines
• Overactive bladder
• Excessive sweating
• Muscle spasms
• Crossed eyes and eyelid twitching
• TMJ and other pain disorders including pelvic pain

Surprising Uses:

• Foot pain relief - especially for those who wear heels frequently
• Help with stomach digestion (gastroparesis)
• To improve posture
• Off-label uses:
  
  • depression
  • premature ejaculation
  • Bell’s palsy
  • and more

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Getting Botox: What To Expect

How to Prepare

Avoid alcohol and blood thinners including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 24 hours before treatment. Tell your provider about any recent Botox treatments, medications, or if you’re taking supplements that increase bruising.

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The Appointment

Botox injections are generally well tolerated, but we can use numbing cream for particularly sensitive areas including the palms and soles. I use a tiny needle to inject small amounts of Botox into targeted muscles. The number of injections depends on your goals and treatment area.

Your provider will map out your treatment plan based on your unique anatomy and concerns.

The procedure itself lasts between 5-10 minutes depending on how many areas are being treated.

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Aftercare and Results

Stay upright for a few hours, don’t rub the area, and avoid intense exercise for 24 hours. This helps prevent the Botox from moving into areas it shouldn't.

You’ll usually start seeing results within 3–5 days, with full effects showing in about 2 weeks. Results typically last 3 to 4 months. Regular appointments are necessary to maintain your results. The occasional touch up at the 2 week mark may be necessary to achieve your goals, though it is generally not recommended to receive Botox treatments more frequently than every 3 months as it is possible to become “immune” to Botox.

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Is Botox Right for You?

Risks and Side Effects

Botox is safe when administered by a trained professional. Side effects are usually mild but can include:

• Bruising or swelling
• Headache or flu-like symptoms
• Temporary droopy eyelids or uneven eyebrows

Rarely, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause symptoms like trouble swallowing or breathing. Always call your provider if anything feels off.

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Who Should Avoid Botox?

If you're pregnant, nursing, or have neuromuscular diseases (eg Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton), Botox might not be for you. Talk to your provider first.

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When To Call Your Doctor

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Vision changes
• Trouble breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness away from the injection site

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FAQs About Botox and Caridi Concierge

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How does Botox for migraines work?

Botox blocks nerve signals that trigger pain. It’s best for people with 15+ headache days per month.

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Does Botox hurt?

Most people say it feels like a quick pinch. The needle is tiny!

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‍Can you get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding?

It’s not recommended while pregnant or nursing as the safety of Botox in pregnancy and lactation has not been studied.

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‍Are there other types of botulinum toxins?

Yes! Other brands include Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify.

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‍What’s the difference between Botox and Dysport?

Dysport may work faster, but Botox may last longer. I can help you choose the best option.

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‍How is Botox different from dermal fillers?

Botox relaxes muscles. Fillers add volume and also offer some myomodulatory effects, meaning they can modify expression. Both help with facial rejuvenation.

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‍Is it safe to get Botox and the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes! There’s no known risk.

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‍Can Botox cause cancer?

There’s no evidence linking Botox to cancer.

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‍Who can administer Botox?

Only licensed medical professionals should perform Botox injections. At Caridi Concierge, all treatments are done by me, a board-certified physician.

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‍Is Caridi Concierge accepting new clients?

Yes! I welcome new clients and offer consultations to discuss your goals.

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‍Where do you offer Botox treatments?

I come to you where you're most comfortable. I provide in-home/office treatments throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and surrounding areas.

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‍How do I book a Botox appointment?

Visit https://caridiconcierge.janeapp.com or message me  directly to schedule.

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‍Do you offer other services?

Yes! In addition to Botox, I offer dermal fillers, biostimulatory fillers, and customized aesthetic plans.

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If you’ve been curious about Botox, I hope this helped! It’s safe, versatile, and can do way more than you might expect. Have questions or want to try it out? Let’s talk!

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Contact Caridi Concierge

Email: booking@caridiconcierge.com

Phone: (917) 439-9470

Service Area: In-home treatments available in NYC.

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Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram @caridiconcierge for before-and-after photos, expert tips, and client stories.

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