Botox is a safe, minimally invasive treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. It works by relaxing the muscles that cause frowning, squinting and other facial expressions.
When injected into certain muscles, Botox temporarily paralyzes them so the muscles cannot contract or clench. The effects of the treatment last for up to three months.
The most common areas of the face that are treated with Botox are forehead creases, crow’s feet and frown lines between the eyebrows. Several other areas have also been successfully treated with this injectable.
Crow’s feet (also known as laughter lines or dynamic wrinkles) are deep, pronounced lines that appear around the eyes. They can be caused by aging, sun exposure or smoking.
If left untreated, these wrinkles can lead to a droopy eyebrow and eyelid. However, using Botox to treat these issues can prevent and even reverse them.
In 2016, more than 4.5 million treatments were performed using Botox or similar medication to fight wrinkles, making it the Service – Botox number one nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States.
It’s important to understand that although it’s a popular treatment, Botox is not a cure for all wrinkles, and only a qualified dermatologist can determine whether Botox will be a good treatment for your specific wrinkles.
A trained medical professional such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or physician assistant can administer Botox injections. Before the injection, the practitioner will thoroughly clean your face and ask you to move the muscles that are being treated. They will then use a very fine needle to inject the Botox into the targeted area of the muscles.
After the injection, you’ll be asked not to rub or massage the area. This helps ensure that the Botox stays where it’s supposed to be.
This is because the Botox can spread to other parts of the face if it gets into the wrong muscle. This can cause serious medical problems.
Before getting Botox, be sure to let your doctor know if you have any health conditions, allergies or other medications you are taking. They should be able to give you more information about the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You can also talk to your provider about how long you will need to receive the treatment. Results typically last for about four months, but you may need follow-up injections to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment.
Generally, the Botox treatment takes about 10 minutes and does not require any anesthesia. After the treatment, you can return home.
Your doctor may recommend using ice packs or other cold compresses to help control swelling after the injection. It is also important to avoid activities that cause profuse sweating for the first 24 hours after your treatment.
It’s also a good idea to drink lots of water after the treatment. This will help the effects of your injections last longer and reduce bruising.
Botox is a great way to treat the fine lines and wrinkles that often appear on the face as you age or if you are exposed to the sun or smoke regularly. If you are interested in a treatment that can help you look younger and more refreshed, call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.