Most people don’t start thinking about aging skin until wrinkles have started to appear on their face. Facial wrinkling occurs in three stages:
- Stage One: Wrinkles are noticeable only when you move your facial muscles
- Stage Two: Wrinkles are noticeable even when you are not moving your facial muscles
- Stage Three: Wrinkles have set in permanently
Although some opt for preemptive treatment, most wait until they are in Stage Two or even Stage Three before they address visible aging. If you have noticed unattractive signs of aging skin you may be considering Botox® treatment. Here are some facts that can help you decide if Botox® is right for you.
What Is Botox®?
Botox® is a proven drug used by doctors and plastic surgeons to cure wrinkles and facial creases. Botox® is a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are other brands, such as Dysport® and Xeomin® but Botox®, a simple injectable treatment, is the most popular, trusted and referenced procedure.
How Does Botox® Work?
Botox® works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing the muscle from contracting, softening and relaxing wrinkles and erasing signs of aging skin. The treatment is effective but is not permanent and will not remove damage caused by sun exposure.
What Is Botox® Used For?
Most commonly, Botox® is used to erase wrinkles, creases and lines on the face, although it has other, less common uses, such as:
- Uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm)
- “Lazy” eyes that point in different directions (strabismus)
- Chronic migraines
- Excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes extreme spasms in the neck and shoulders
Who Should Get Botox® Treatment?
If you are seeking to address unsightly face wrinkles and the effects of aging, Botox® may be the best solution.
Botox® is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women or for people with the following health issues:
- Neuromuscular disease
- Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
- Weak facial muscles
Botox® is also not suitable for anyone who is allergic to cow’s milk protein.
What Can I Expect from Botox® Treatment?
Botox® treatment for face wrinkles only takes a few minutes and anesthesia is not required. The injection needle is very small and may cause brief, mild discomfort. If you are concerned about pain, your doctor may apply a topical numbing gel to the treated areas. You may receive injections in several different areas. The treatment is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure and you will be able to go home the same day.
Your doctor may advise you to stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for 2 weeks prior to treatment and to abstain from alcohol.
What Can I Expect After Botox® Treatment?
Unless your doctor directs you not to, you can return to most activities immediately following treatment, but the following precautions may be recommended:
- Avoid rubbing the injection site for 24 hours, so you don’t spread the Botox® to other areas of your face or body
- You may be advised to stay upright for several hours after treatment
- Avoid exercise or exhausting physical activity for 24 hours
How Long Does Botox® Treatment Last?
Results from your Botox® treatment take full effect within 1-2 weeks and should last 3-6 months.
To keep up optimal results long-term, you’ll need to undergo treatment every 3 to 6 months. Muscle use will eventually cause wrinkles and lines to reappear and will need to be treated again. Over time, treatments will last longer because your muscles shrink with age. Whether or not to keep up a Botox® regimen is up to you.
What Are the Benefits of Botox®?
Botox® is a fast procedure with no downtime required and many benefits:
- Enhancing natural beauty and removing visible signs of aging
- Correcting and improving other health conditions such as: crossed eyes, excessive sweating, migraine headaches and poor bladder control; reduced joint pain and some allergy symptoms, depending on the treatment you receive
- Botox® is the least expensive non-invasive cosmetic surgery option and it delivers long-lasting results
How Do I Get Botox?
To schedule an appointment to receive Botox injections, call the Hair & Facial Plastics Institute today. All Botox injections at our facility are performed by Dr. James Aronovitz, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.