Botox® Basics

Botox® has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use for over 20 years, making it the most popular and most clinically studied cosmetic injectable substance on the market. And yet, despite being so well established, patients often worry that Botox® injections will make them look “frozen” and emotionless. Choosing the right practitioner makes all the difference. When done well, Botox® does nothing more than enhance your natural beauty. All our providers at MedSkinEssentials work with each individual patient to achieve the look they want, without overdoing it.

Check out the Botox® Basics below to learn everything you need to know about Botox® injections.

What is Botox?

Botox®, or Botulinum toxin type A, is a neuromodulator. A neuromodulator is essentially a muscle relaxer that temporarily freezes the muscles being treated. It is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed in-office and requires little to no preparation by the patient.  The Botox® is injected directly into the muscle being treated and the entire procedure only takes about ten minutes.

How does Botox® treat wrinkles?

Botox® is effective at correcting “dynamic wrinkles.” Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles that are formed by facial movements, such as across your forehead when your eyebrows are raised, or between your eyebrows when you frown. Botox® injections relax the muscles being treated. The muscle’s movement is limited, preventing it from creasing the skin and forming a wrinkle over the targeted area.

Where is Botox® usually injected?

Cosmetically, Botox® is FDA-approved to treat the lateral canthal lines around the eyes (“crow’s feet” caused by squinting), lines in the forehead (often caused by raising your eyebrows), and the wrinkles between the eyebrows called glabellar lines (frown lines). Botox® is currently the only neuromodulator to have FDA approval for three separate treatment areas.

Botox® is also used to treat a variety of medical issues such as migraine headaches and excessive underarm sweating, having been first approved for use in 1989. If you have further questions regarding the medical use of Botox®, please contact your primary care physician.

How soon will I see results?

Most patients see noticeable results within a week of injection. Some patients see results within 24 to 48 hours after their appointment.

How long will my Botox® last?

The effects of Botox® last for an average of three to four months. You’ll need additional treatments to maintain your results. Botox® does not accumulate in your system, so once the effects of your previous injection have worn off, it is completely safe to treat the same area at your next appointment.

What are the side effects of Botox®?

You may experience mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness around the injection sites, all of which dissipate within a few days. A minor, temporary headache post-injection has occasionally been reported and is treated successfully with over-the-counter pain medications. True Botox® allergies are exceedingly rare.

After your injections, it is important to refrain from lying down, especially on your front! Remain upright and avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for four hours after your treatment. We also recommend avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours after treatment. Botox® will not interrupt your daily skin care regimen; you can continue washing your face as you normally would immediately after your appointment. If you have any questions about Botox® or other neuromodulators, please call our office or book a consultation online.

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We look forward to starting you on your journey to healthier, more radiant skin … and most importantly, a refreshed and more youthful version of yourself.