The term ‘botulinum toxin’ is today fairly common. The better-known term for this is Botox, which refers to a series of safe, effective injections that doctors use to treat wrinkles on the skin, among others. Every year, more than 7 million procedures of this type are carried out in the U.S alone. The popular misconception is that all these prescriptions are done above the neck, for cosmetic reasons. This, however, isn’t necessarily true.

It has been demonstrated that Botox treatment can reduce chronic neck pain. Indeed, Botox injections, coupled with physical therapy can result in significant pain relief. It can alleviate pain caused by muscle-related conditions like cervical dystonia and neck muscle spasms.

WHO?

When does the process of aging begin? Is it when you are 50 or 60? It might surprise many to learn that aging starts the moment a person is born and continues every day, every second, and every minute of life. For this reason, many young people in their 20s and 30s are now embracing Botox treatment as a cosmetic procedure. This procedure is referred to as preventive Botox.

NECK INJECTIONS

The medical procedure known as Nefertiti Lift is a neck and jawline non-invasive rejuvenation treatment. By using Botox injections, this procedure provides an excellent alternative to other more invasive methods. It usually costs anywhere between $200 to 600.

HOW?

The Nefertiti lift is administered within a time frame ranging between five to fifteen minutes. Botox is usually injected into several places on the lower jaw and down the neck. The neck injections are targeted in the platysma muscles. These are the muscles that pull jaw muscles downward. The muscle is a major depressor in the lower part of the face.

Botox has been demonstrated to be quite effective in reversing most of these undesirable situations. When Botox injections are administered to the neck and jawline, the result is a clear tightening, lifting, and smoothing on the patient’s skin. This is a pleasant and desired result. The Botox achieves this by relaxing the platysma muscles, in this way reducing the downward pull.

RESULTS AND FREQUENCY

For many patients, it takes several days before the results of this procedure become fully evident. Indeed, the results of Botox injections can take between one and two weeks to be visible and usually last between three to four months. Depending on the patient’s circumstances, it may be recommended that a person undergoes several treatments within a year. This is imperative in order to sustain the appearance of a tighter neckline.

DOCTOR

Even though Botox is a safe and non-invasive procedure, it should only be carried out with licensed professionals to minimize risks. In the United States, different states have their own regulation as pertains who is allowed to offer Botox treatment. However, in most of the States, Botox treatment can only be administered by nurses, physician assistants, doctors, and dentists.

Some States do require the supervision by a physician if physician assistants or nurses administer the treatment. It is also a requirement that medical professionals take and pass a requisite Botox certification course to be allowed to carry out the procedure on patients.

It is imperative to note that Estheticians are not permitted to administer Botox treatment even though they work alongside medical professionals that perform the service. However, they are important in the course of the treatment as they provide important services such as prepping the face of the patient by wiping it with a cleanser, applying moisturizers, and provide the patient with the invaluable pre-and post-treatment instructions.

ELIGIBLE PATIENTS

The potential candidates for Botox treatment should manifest the following characteristics:

  • “Turkey neck” or neckbands
  • Pronounced jawline
  • Rippled appearance on the jawline
  • Cheeks hanging below the jawline
  • Loose skin below chin or jawline

POSSIBLE RISKS

The effects of Botox treatment can be subtle. Some patients, especially those who have skin sagging and other health problems may find the results of the procedure less satisfactory. They may even need more invasive treatment.

ALTERNATIVES

A.) Surgical neck-lift

Surgical neck-lift is an invasive procedure that involves the surgical removal of excess skin around the neck, jawline, as well as below the chin. Though the procedure is excellent at tightening the skin around the areas, it comes with risks that include swelling and bruising, and you can get an infection. Also, it takes more than 10 days before you are fully recovered from the treatment, which is inconveniencing.

B.) Neck liposuction

Neck liposuction technique is another invasive procedure that can be used to suction fat out of your neck. The surgeon inserts a small cannula into several small incisions in your neck. The procedure is expensive and could cost anywhere between $1000 and $4000 depending on the type of the liposuction technique and the amount of fat removed. Also, as with any surgery, infections are possible with liposuction. Other risks include scarring.

Surgical Neck-Lift

Surgical neck-lift is an invasive procedure that involves the surgical removal of excess skin around the neck, jawline, as well as below the chin. Though the procedure is excellent at tightening the skin around the areas, it comes with risks that include swelling and bruising, and you can get an infection. Also, it takes more than 10 days before you are fully recovered from the treatment, which is inconveniencing.

Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction technique is another invasive procedure that can be used to suction fat out of your neck. The surgeon inserts a small cannula into several small incisions in your neck. The procedure is expensive and could cost anywhere between $1000 and $4000 depending on the type of the liposuction technique and the amount of fat removed. Also, as with any surgery, infections are possible with liposuction. Other risks include scarring.

INSURANCE

Botox treatments are not covered by insurance because they are considered as elective procedures meaning that they are not medically required for the patient’s health. However, when it’s used to treat platysma muscle hyperactivity, the Nefertiti lift procedure can qualify for insurance coverage.

Botox for neck treatment is generally regarded as a safe and easy treatment that complements similar aesthetic and corrective procedures. The treatment should, however, only be done by a qualified and experienced medical practitioner.

It is advisable to be cautious about your choice of practitioner. This is because the injections require in-depth acquaintance with the muscle area and are generally delicate. When administered by qualified professionals, Botox injections are considered quite safe and carry minimal risks. Yes, you can get real benefits from Botox for the neck treatment.