Botox has revolutionized the treatment of aging skin and become one of the world’s most widely requested nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. It is the first FDA-approved product that temporarily improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Unlike a facelift or a deep chemical peel, Botox treatment takes only minutes and requires no downtime, so you can erase signs of aging over lunch and return to your daily routine.
Botox
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Botox work?
Over time, repeated muscle contractions from smiling, squinting, frowning, raising the eyebrows and other facial movements cause wrinkles and fine lines. Botox works below the skin’s surface to temporarily halt this underlying cause of wrinkle formation by inhibiting the signal from the nerves to the muscles. Without this signal, the injected muscle does not contract, causing wrinkles to relax and soften. Botox is specifically designed to target dynamic wrinkles – those that are formed by muscle activity and appear when your face is animated. Static wrinkles, which remain while your face is relaxed, and deeply etched wrinkles are best treated with injectable dermal fillers.
What concerns can be treated with Botox?
The most common Botox treatment areas are:
- Forehead lines
- Glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows)
- Crow’s feet (fine lines at the outer corner of the eye)
How is Botox different from fillers?
Though they are both injectable cosmetic treatments, Botox and dermal fillers are not the same. Botox addresses the underlying cause of dynamic wrinkle formation by temporarily reducing muscle activity. This softens wrinkles while helping to prevent the development of future wrinkles. Dermal fillers increase volume in the face to replace lost collagen and fat and “fill in” existing lines. A treatment plan that combines Botox and dermal fillers may yield the best results for some patients.
Is Botox Safe?
Botox is backed by over 15 years of clinical studies, described in 495 articles in peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, and approved for use in 96 countries. It is the most widely researched and studied treatment of its kind. Botox injections are safe when administered by a qualified professional and generally well-tolerated by patients.
What happens during Botox treatment?
Botox procedures take roughly 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. After discussing your aesthetic goals and performing a facial analysis, your specialist will determine the injection locations and the number of units that will be required to achieve your desired outcome. Most patients experience minimal discomfort or no discomfort at all during the injection process. The injection is often described as a pinching sensation. If you are concerned about discomfort, ice or a topical cream may be used to numb the treatment area before the injections are administered.
Is there downtime after treatment?
Most patients do not require any downtime after Botox treatment and can resume their daily activities immediately after they leave the office. While it’s possible that bruising, swelling or redness may occur, these side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within the first few hours or days.
What results can I expect?
You may begin to notice visible smoothing of your forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet within 24 to 48 hours after your injection session. Improvement will continue to develop for up to 14 days following treatment. Botox will not change the foundational structure of your face — you’ll look like yourself, but a more youthful version of yourself with fewer noticeable lines. In the hands of an experienced injector with a deep understanding of aesthetics and facial anatomy, Botox can deliver subtle and natural-looking results. Your face should not appear frozen or overly “done.”
How long will my results last?
Botox is a long-lasting but not permanent solution. Results from treatment can last up to four months for modern to severe lines. Ongoing injections are required to preserve your results. A customized treatment schedule will be created for you based on your results and aesthetic goals.
Who is Botox for?
Botox is for men and women who have unwanted facial wrinkles and want to feel more confident when they look in the mirror. Most people aged 18 to 65 are potential candidates. It is the type and severity of your lines, not your age or gender, that determines whether Botox injections may be an appropriate treatment. To find out whether Botox is the best option to achieve your goals, call U Laser Medspa at 858-281-4560 to schedule a consultation.