When we make facial expressions, we use certain muscles. The expressions that we make, such as frowning and smiling, cause the skin to wrinkle momentarily. This is most noticeable on the upper face and around the eyes. With repeated use, the muscles used for our most common expressions become toned and tight. The decline of collagen and elastin in the skin combines with toned muscles to cause persistent wrinkles such as crow’s feet and frown lines. Botox can be used to prevent the worsening of these wrinkles.

Botox Cosmetic is based on purified botulinum toxin A. The substance has been widely studied and used to treat various conditions that affect muscle function, such as certain types of Palsy. When Botox is injected into muscle tissue, it binds to receptors and prevents the uptake of the chemical that causes contraction.

You may have heard that Botox works by paralyzing the muscles in your face. In reality, Botox injections work by impeding the ability of your muscles to go through their full range of motion.

That means the skin over the targeted muscles isn’t pulled into folds and wrinkles. The area around your eyes, forehead, and between your eyebrows is smoothed, but not frozen.

Botox is a safe and effective treatment with a proven record of success and safety. The primary benefit of Botox is that a few injections into muscles around the eyes or forehead areas can smooth lines that age the face. The results of wrinkle-reduction make the face look friendlier and more vibrant. The cosmetic refresher that patients receive from Botox can enhance self-confidence.

In addition to correcting signs of aging safely and effectively, Botox offers the advantage of convenience. Without incisions, anesthesia, and tissue manipulation, Botox achieves good results without the need for downtime.

Botox treatment is conducted in a private treatment room in under half an hour. If you are new to Botox, your provider will spend a few minutes consulting with you about our cosmetic goals. Your skin may be observed and palpated to identify its firmness and elasticity. During this brief discussion and evaluation, your provider will be happy to answer any questions you have about Botox or complementary treatments that can help refresh your face.

There are only a few recommendations for people planning to get Botox. Most revolve around achieving the best results with the mildest side effects. If you take medication that thins the blood, your doctor may advise you to alter your dosage before getting Botox. Supplements such as fish oils and vitamin E can also increase the risk of bleeding and may need to be avoided for a day or two before injectable treatment. Finally, patients should avoid alcohol in the 24 to 48 hours before their appointment, also to decrease the risk of bleeding and bruising.

The results of Botox typically last from 3 to 6 months. Injections can be repeated as needed to reach the desired degree of improvement and to sustain results over time. Many people receive touch-ups every 4 months.

Patients need not take time off to undergo Botox treatment. Normal activities can be resumed right away. Side effects that may occur include redness and swelling. Some people experience a mild headache after undergoing Botox injections. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.

The effects of Botox occur gradually over 5 to 7 days. It is important to schedule accordingly to look and feel your best if you are preparing for an important event.

You may think of Botox as only a cosmetic treatment, but the drug is also used in many different medical applications. Botox has been in use for more than 50 years and is included in more than 495 peer-reviewed pieces in medical and scientific journals.

The cosmetic applications of Botox have been studied in clinical trials for more than 15 years. That well-established safety record is part of why Botox is the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatment in the world.

FDA-approved Botox is considered very safe. Very few instances of complications have occurred in the many years of clinical use. Side effects of Botox are usually mild, limited to redness and bruising. Slight flu-like symptoms may also be experienced by some patients. Though very low, there is a risk that a person may have an adverse allergic reaction to Botox. If an allergic reaction were to cause difficulty swallowing or breathing, symptoms can be improved with appropriate medical treatment.

Botox is administered with a tiny needle that is inserted just beneath the skin. While it is possible to apply a topical numbing cream before the treatment, most patients do not choose to do this. If you are concerned about comfort, talk with your provider. They may suggest placing an ice pack on the skin to decrease sensations during treatment.