What is Botox? How does it work?
You may have heard of Botox® in popular culture or other places. What is Botox? Botox is a safe and proven treatment method used to reduce the look of wrinkles*. It is an injectable solution that relaxes specific facial muscles to allow for smoothing and fading of wrinkles over time. Botox has been a proven solution time and again to help smooth skin and give a more beautiful, youthful appearance*.
The way Botox® works is quite simple. Wrinkles often appear where facial muscles are worked. When you smile, laugh or frown, you’re working many muscles of the face. Botox® blocks the signals to specific facial muscles which create undesirable wrinkles. Over a short period of time with the use of Botox® wrinkle lines will begin to soften and fade*.
Botox is also used to stop excessive underarm sweating as well as becoming a proven treatment for individuals suffering from severe and persistent migraine headache attacks*.
Safety and History
Research associated with Botox® has been conducted for decades. It was originally used by physicians to treat muscles spasms and conditions such as excessive blinking or a lazy eye. Physicians also discovered a beneficial side effect — when blocking muscle contractions, doctors observed a softening of local wrinkles. This led to clinical trials and in 2002 the FDA approved Botox® for cosmetic use.
Today Botox® is by far the most widely performed cosmetic procedure. As of 2007, 4.6 million Botox® procedures have been performed in the United States. Qualified Botox® providers include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, cosmetic physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, and medical spas. There is a certain level of cosmetic artistry required to achieve an effective and natural look.
Who is a candidate for Botox?
Likely candidates could be anyone; women or men from ages 18 to 65 years*.
Women who are pregnant or individuals with a neurological disease should not use Botox®. Also, Botox® doesn’t work on all wrinkles, such as wrinkles caused by sun damage or gravity*.
What should I expect in the procedure?
The procedure for Botox® is usually a short 10-minute treatment*. It entails a few tiny injections, and no anesthesia is required — although a topical ointment is recommended. Botox® is injected using a fine needle into specific muscles, with only minor discomfort.
It’s recommended that patients stop aspirin and any anti-inflammatory medications at least two weeks before treatment to reduce bruising*.
Are there any side effects to Botox?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. Mild headaches can also occur, and generally will resolve in 24-48 hours. A very small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping — this is usually caused by migration of the Botox®, and should resolve within three weeks*. Patients are advised not to rub the treated area for 12 hours after an injection. There have been no allergies associated with Botox® to date.
When will I notice results?
It generally takes two to seven days for the Botox® to take effect*. Within days you will notice an improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, and results will continue to improve over weeks and months*. Results will vary depending on your metabolism and other factors; the results will last anywhere from two to six months*. The effects of the treatment are not permanent — future treatments are required.
Daxxify®: The Next Generation in Wrinkle Treatment
Daxxify® is a revolutionary wrinkle treatment designed to smooth dynamic facial lines. Utilizing cutting-edge peptide technology, Daxxify® delivers long-lasting results with a natural look. With effects that can last up to six months, it provides a convenient and effective solution for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Daxxify® ensures you look your best with minimal maintenance, enhancing your confidence and beauty effortlessly.
The New Contender – Dysport®
Dysport® is a relatively new procedure that can sometimes compare with Botox® in a lot of ways. Dysport® is a treatment procedure meant for specifically fighting frown lines, also known as marionette lines. Dysport® is a faster-acting treatment procedure that can begin working as soon as one to two days, which is great if you’re in a time crunch for a wedding, party, or otherwise*. Botox® and Dysport® last relatively the same amount of time, although there are some reports of Dysport® lasting longer*.
Individuals who have become “resistant” to Botox treatments can sometimes respond to Dysport® treatments instead*. Dysport® also spreads across a wider area than Botox, which allows for treatment along broader areas such as underarms (for treatment of excessive sweating) with less pricks of a needle. Since Dysport® generally affects broader areas, it is important to talk with us before your procedure to find out what your needs and wants are, so we can help determine which will work best for you*.
Xeomin® for Frown Lines Between Eyebrows
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) for injection, for intramuscular use, is a prescription medication use to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults contains botulinum toxin type A, a protein purified from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
When you squint or frown, the muscles between your brows contract, causing the skin to furrow and fold. Over time, as your skin ages and loses some of its elasticity, these repeated contracts can cause persistent frown lines.
The active ingredient in Xeomin (botulinum toxin type A) – acts on nerve endings in muscles to prevent muscle fibers from contracting. By reducing these contractions, it can temporarily reduce the lines on your forehead between your brows*.
In clinical trials, some patients observed visible smoothing as early as 3-4 days after injection*. The typical duration of the effect was up to 3 months in clinical trials, but may last significantly longer or shorter in individual patients*.
Why choose Abington Aesthetic & Laser Medical Center?
Every face is different, and the amount and placement of Botox® will vary. The proper use of Botox® requires a trained professional with an artistic eye to enhance a patient’s looks*. Dr. Evan Zelinger, the founder of Abington Aesthetic & Laser Medical Center, has years of experience administering Botox® as well as providing other cosmetic medical treatments and procedures. Whatever course he recommends, it is with the idea of making your appearance the best it can be!
Ready to schedule your Botox treatment*? Request more information or contact us today!