Botox® clinics are sites where one or more doctors offer injections of the drug to patients. There are several advantages to using Botox® clinics when receiving this cosmetic treatment, including a clean and sterile environment and, in most cases, treatment by a staff that is experienced in giving the injections. Many Botox® clinics offer other cosmetic services, including laser skin treatments or collagen injections, in addition to the Botox®. The procedure is so simple that some doctors choose to provide the Botox® injections in their own offices, though full-service Botox® clinics have the potential to give a much more comprehensive experience for the patient.
The bacterium Clostridium botulinium is more commonly known by the brand name Botox®. This is the same germ that can cause botulism, which can develop in contaminated foods and cause illness. When correctly injected under the skin in small amounts by a trained professional, Botox® is not harmful.
There are several problems that can be treated at Botox® clinics. The procedure that has received the most attention is the use of injections to reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin. This result can be achieved because the Botox® blocks the nerves in the injected area from reacting to stimuli. This effectively relaxes the face through a type of partial paralysis and will make lines on the face less evident.
The effect of Botox® on nerves also has been used to treat disorders that lead to facial tics or uncontrollable muscle movements. The immobility created by the injection can stop these involuntary motions. A Botox® injection also can be used to relieve the pain and other symptoms of migraine headaches. These injections are applied directly to the head at the site of the pain.
By receiving the injections at specialized Botox® clinics, the procedure can be performed in an environment tailored to the situation. This means it will likely be safer, take less time to perform, and might actually provide more options than would be available in a regular doctor’s office. A Botox® clinic also might be less busy than a general practice, meaning that appointments can be made sooner and easier.
Although many Botox® clinics are equipped specifically to deal with just one type of injection, there are others that are geared more toward general cosmetics and plastic surgery. These types of clinics can provide an entire regiment of treatments that can assist in creating younger looking skin or removing the signs of aging. They also might be more aware of new and emerging research into the uses of Botox®.