Botox 101 and Why You Should Think About Preventative Botox

 

The popular beauty treatment, Botox, is performed as an in-office procedure in order to treat fine lines and wrinkles. This cosmetic neurotoxin is injected directly into the face and will temporarily relax the muscles in the forehead, around the eyes and in between the eyebrows; it is also commonly injected into areas around the mouth where smile lines tend to form. Botox temporarily paralyzes the local nerve impulses resulting in the inability to make targeted facial muscles react to movement. With the inability to move those specific muscles, you will not form the wrinkles associated with certain facial expressions thereby decreasing the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles.

 

FDA-approved in 1989, Botox is most commonly used for cosmetic reasons. It also helps to alleviate and treat a wide variety of health concerns and cosmetic medical issues and was initially approved to treat blepharospasm of the eyelids in 1989. It officially became approved as a viable cosmetic treatment option in 2002. The Botox neurotoxin is a diluted form of Botulinum Toxin, and it is also used to treat chronic sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms as well as recurring migraines. Hyperhidrosis or overactive sweating can also be treated with our laser hyperhidrosis treatment.  While botox does come from the same bacterium that causes botulism, it is completely safe when injected due to its diluted composition and naturally-occurring form.

 

Some people feel as though botox is meant for older individuals. Many of our younger patients in their 20’s seek the treatment as a preventative measure to eradicate the wrinkles before they appear or begin to deepen on the face.  Using botox as a preventative measure is extremely effective, requiring less botox to achieve and maintain a youthful appearance for a longer period of time. The vast majority of patients seeking Botox, however, have already noticed the wrinkles and signs of aging and are looking to turn back the clock with Botox injections.

 

While the results of Botox treatments are temporary, the positive impact is almost immediate and pain is minimal with the procedure. After the treatment settles in, you will notice a significant decrease in the ability to move the muscles that cause wrinkles. While your movement will be slightly restricted, you will still be able to laugh, get angry or react in a believable and lively manner. Botox relaxes the wrinkle-forming facial muscles but does not have an impact on the other facial muscles used for expression. Botox takes a few days to kick in, and you can expect maximum results to appear about a week or so after the treatment is performed.

 

It is important to keep a realistic outlook when approaching Botox as a treatment option for wrinkles; it temporarily removes the wrinkles associated with expression. Static wrinkles are seen when you look at your face in the mirror and your face is completely at rest and expressionless. Static wrinkles require alternative forms of treatment with lasers or plastic surgery. You can expect to feel a face-tightening feeling after your initial treatment and an unusual feeling when attempting to make certain facial expressions with Botox. The results from your initial Botox treatment will last about half a year. Subsequent maintenance appointments should be scheduled every few months for maximum effectiveness and to maintain the results.

 

When scheduling an appointment to receive a Botox injection, always ask your physician about how many units of the toxin you can expect to have injected although that is just an estimate. Since everyone’s face is different, it is important to make a note of this number to refer to for future appointments.

 

There are some side effects associated with Botox depending on the location of the injection site. Typical side effects include: pain, swelling, bumps and itching all pertinent to the injection site. Chills, fever, headaches, general pain, dry or runny eyes, excessive tearing and droopy eyelids can also occur.  I have a conservative approach to injectables in order to minimize these side effects and will give touch-ups a week or two after to achieve the perfect result.  

 

While Botox is a temporary solution to combat the wrinkles formed from facial expression, it is a minimally-invasive and effective treatment option. It is a more affordable option than face lifts and other invasive surgeries and procedures, and the results are noticeable almost immediately.

 

Michael Kerin MD

 

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