Can Needle Phobic People Go To A Botox Doctor?

A Botox doctor can cure or alleviate an array of conditions and maladies. The list of uses for this product grows longer every day as physicians discover more applications for this substance. Botox is actually the brand name which has now become a household word and is short for its longer medical label, Botulinum Toxin A. This substance actually is derived from food poisoning bacteria, which in large doses could be harmful. In small amounts such as the prescribed doses by medical doctors, it is considered to be safe. In large doses, paralysis can occur which can be quite dangerous. In the miniscule amounts injected by an MD or other professional, the substance causes muscles to stop clenching and tics to stop their spasticity. Since this product is administered via injections, does this mean that a needle phobic person wouldn’t be a viable candidate? Here are some things to think about:

- Uses for Botox: While most individuals think of this medication solely for the alleviation of crows’ feet, laugh lines and furrowed brows, there are lots more reasons to inject it including:

o Urinary incontinence
o Prostrate issues with overactive bladder
o Adult acne
o Muscle tics
o Spastic disorders
o Migraine headaches
o Excessive underarm sweating
o Wrinkles

-Needle phobia: Phobias are fears that are often ungrounded but can be quite severe and incapacitating. Many individuals have phobic reactions to a variety of triggers including fear of heights, closed spaces, snakes, dentists, spiders, going out in public, rats and needles.

- Signs of phobic reaction: A person knows that his or her nervousness about a certain object or situation has gone to the extreme when he or she experiences:

o Avoidance
o Racing heart
o Flushed face
o Crying 
o Nightmares
o Cold, clammy hands
o Shortness of breath

- Steps to alleviate the phobic response:

o See a therapist: Many therapists specialize in helping individuals get over their ungrounded fears. The counselor may try to get to the root of the problem such as a prior bad experience or a parent who was also afraid of immunizations or shots. Another tactic is promoting desensitization, which is slowly becoming less sensitive to the trigger by incremental exposure.
o Practice relaxation techniques: Meditations, deep breathing, going for brisk walks or taking yoga all have a profound impact on a person’s relaxation response. The person may feel his or her calmness spill into all areas of life.
o Sedatives: Taking a sedative such as Valium or Xanax before an appointment could make the person feel calm enough to go through with the procedure.

Once a person has taken some steps to alleviate his or her needle phobia, he or she will notice other areas of life beginning to open up. When a person’s comfort zone expands in one area, other areas begin to loosen up as well. After a patient has injections by a Botox doctor, his or her skin will look good and comfort circle will be expanded.