How Does BOTOX® Work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable treatment that can soften the appearance of wrinkles, creating smoother and younger-looking skin. As you age, you might start to notice lines and wrinkles on your forehead, between your eyebrows, and around your eyes. Repetitive facial expressions, such as squinting, smiling, or frowning, can cause these wrinkles to deepen over time and remain noticeable even when your face is relaxed.
How Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment Work?
BOTOX® contains purified botulinum A toxin, which temporarily blocks the nerve signals that cause facial muscles to contract. This reduction in muscle movement allows the skin to remain at rest even when making certain facial expressions, which smooths the lines and wrinkles for a more youthful look.
What Happens During a BOTOX® Treatment Session?
To ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible during the procedure, your Forefront dermatologist will apply ice or a topical anesthesia to numb the treatment areas. Next, they’ll prepare a small syringe with the recommended dosage of botulinum toxin. A thin needle will be used to inject the serum into the targeted areas. Most patients feel mild discomfort or a slight pinch during treatment.
It’s common for people to receive three to five injections per BOTOX® treatment, but the number you receive will depend on the size of the treatment area and the severity of your symptoms. This non-invasive procedure is usually straightforward and relatively quick, and can be completed in as little as ten minutes.
Your expert Forefront dermatologist will give you instructions for care following your procedure, and you’ll be able to immediately resume your everyday activities. There is minimal to no downtime associated with the procedure, although you should be aware of certain safety restrictions. It’s important for you to avoid rubbing or massaging the treatment area since this can cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to other areas of the face.
What Are the Treatment Areas for BOTOX® Injections?
Common treatment areas include wrinkles between the eyebrows, the corners of the eyes, the forehead, and the sides of the mouth. You can also use Botox® to treat hyperhidrosis and migraines.
What Results Can I Expect from BOTOX®?
Within 24 to 48 hours, you’ll notice a significant reduction of moderate to severe lines and wrinkles. Full results can be expected within one week. Your results will last for approximately four months as the ingredients are broken down and absorbed by the body.
To maintain your smooth, more youthful appearance, you’ll need to receive another treatment within three to six months. Since the formula is safe for repeated treatments, you can schedule injections with your Forefront dermatologist as needed. Our doctors will design a treatment plan that will best meet your aesthetic goals.
Are There Any Side Effects?
When performed by one of our Board-Certified Forefront dermatologists, any side effects are generally mild, and many people don’t experience any side effects at all. Some people might have redness or bruising at the injection site, although this is only temporary and usually subsides after a few days. Although rare, these serious side effects may occur:
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Rash
- Itching
- Dizziness
You should seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any side effects after receiving Botox®.
Where Can I Receive Botox® Treatment?
The Botox® Cosmetic procedure is offered at many of our practice locations. Our Board – Certified dermatologists are experts in performing this procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Anything That Can Be Done To Reduce The Effect Of Botox During The First 7 Days Or So? I’m Unhappy With My Results.
Unfortunately there is not a lot you can do to reduce the effects of Botox after it’s been injected. In general, I suggest waiting 7-10 days to see the full effect of your Botox. If you are not happy with the results, then I would recommend follow-up with your injector to see if anything can be done to correct your results. Often a touch up can be done if needed. Also, it is important to visit a skilled, board-certified dermatologist who has extensive anatomical knowledge and experience injecting Botox in order to get results that look good, but natural. There are many injectors out there that have done nothing more than take a short course on injecting Botox and they are not properly trained in facial anatomy. I see a lot of bad Botox out there.
Do The Effects Of Botox Wear Off Sooner In Younger Patients? How Long Can Someone In Their Early Twenties Having It Done For The First Time Expect It To Last?
Age does not have an effect on the longevity of Botox. The duration of Botox is directly dependent on the dosage (the number of units). If more units are injected, it may last longer, but you should not get more units of Botox just to try to make it last longer. The number of units needed will depend solely on you and the extent of your wrinkles. In most patients, regardless of age, Botox usually lasts for around 3-4 months. However, the more you do Botox, it typically will last longer over time. Also, the results look better and better after repeated treatments because the muscles are not as strong, so therefore the lines are not as deep.
Is It Okay To Rotate Botox Injections? For Instance, Could I Have My Forehead Injected One Month, Crow’s Feet The Next, 11s After That, Etc?
Yes, it is okay to rotate Botox injections. Although it might mean more trips to your provider’s office, there is no harm done in rotating injection sites. Certain areas may last longer than other areas and might not need to be treated every time. I recommend visiting a board-certified dermatologist for an in-person consultation to discuss your options. If your reasoning is financial, Brilliant Distinctions is a great reward program in which you get points for each treatment which in turn generates a coupon. In our office, we take of it all for you.
Will Botox Make My Face Shinier? I’m 25 And I Don’t Have Any Wrinkles, But I Want A Smoother, Tighter, Shinier Forehead.
While Botox does typically give a smoother forehead by relaxing wrinkles; however, if you do not have wrinkles, Botox may not be the best choice for you. Instead of looking into wrinkle reduction treatments, it sounds as though a good skin care regimen or a resurfacing treatment such as microneedling, laser rejuvenation, or chemical peel may be what you need. I suggest visiting a board-certified dermatologist for a consultation in which you can discuss your specific concerns and come up with a custom treatment plan.
How Soon After Having Botox Can You Fly?
You can fly directly after having Botox. There is no downtime required after Botox injections, and you can resume all of your everyday activities, including travel, immediately after treatment.
Will Botox Help Me Get More Defined Cheeks? I Want Higher And More Defined Cheekbones Without Surgery.
Rather than Botox, facial fillers can help you to achieve more defined cheekbones. Fillers such as Voluma or Restylane Lyft can be used to add volume and sculpt the cheeks, while Botox is a neuromodulator that works by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. I recommend visiting a board-certified dermatologist for an in-person consultation to find the best way to enhance the appearance of your cheeks.
I’m 27 And Am Concerned About The Lines Between My Eyebrows. Is Botox The Best Prevention Method? How Sustainable And Safe Is It?
Botox is generally considered the best way to treat and prevent lines between the brows. It has bee used in medicine for over 25 year and is considered a very safe treatment when done correctly. By relaxing muscles, Botox works not only to soften any lines that you have, but also to help prevent the lines from getting deeper. Make sure you visit a board-certified dermatologist for the best results.