Your Complete Guide to Botox Injections
Your face defines you. But that doesn’t mean your wrinkles have to define your face. Botox prevents unwanted lines and wrinkles from forming, as a non-invasive way to slow the aging process without changing your facial features.
Thinking about getting Botox? Here are some important questions and answers surrounding America’s most popular non-invasive facial cosmetic injection.
What is Botox?
Botox is a cosmetic injection that visibly reduces facial wrinkling that naturally occurs with age, while smoothing skin, and helping prevent any further wrinkles from forming. Botox is an FDA-approved drug prepared from the bacterial toxin botulin and has been used since 2002 to remove and prevent wrinkles, including forehead lines, brow creases, and crows feet. In 2010, Botox was medically approved to prevent chronic migraines too!
Botox helps decrease fine lines & wrinkles while preventing new wrinkles from forming.
Simply put, Botox works by blocking a muscle’s receptors without causing permanent damage to either the nerve or muscle. At each injection site, Botox causes selective muscles to become desensitized and prevents them from contracting. These repeated muscle contractions are one of the main causes of wrinkles such as frown lines and crow’s feet. Within 48 hours of using Botox, the anti-wrinkle blocking starts working. Within 5-10 days, you will see a noticeable reduction in wrinkles and a decrease in muscle contraction.
What is the difference between fillers and Botox?
Fillers (such as Restylane), and Botox target different areas on the face and act in completely different ways in the body. Fillers are hyaluronic acid and work on ‘filling’ or plumping areas on the face. Botox on the other hand, is a neuromodulator that works on relaxing the muscles to help prevent and correct fine lines and wrinkles. When jointly used for anti-aging, Botox and fillers can provide incredible results for a more youthful and healthy appearance.
Where can you get Botox injections?
Botox is most commonly applied between the brows (known as ‘glabellar lines’), in the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (commonly referred to as ‘crow’s feet’), and around the mouth. Botox can also be used to elevate the eyebrows, even out the asymmetry, and help to create a brighter, awake appearance.
At what age should you get Botox?
The intended effects of Botox is tighter and smoother skin, so anyone with aging skin is a great candidate for cosmetic treatment. Too much time squinting in the sun? Too many days furrowing your brow at the computer screen? Too many times laughing at a good joke? Why not try Botox! Depending on your lifestyle and genetics, you can start whenever you feel it’s needed.
Note: For most, Botox is totally safe, but there are always exceptions. There is a possibility that a person with a compromised immune system may not be able to handle the toxin in its limited intended forms. Consult your doctor before starting Botox if you are concerned or immune-compromised.
Who can get Botox?
There are no major guidelines when it comes to starting Botox, but there are some general rules. A patient may not be pregnant or breastfeeding with Botox, and we suggest not taking any blood thinners starting at least one week prior to treatment. Of course, as with any cosmetic injection, alcohol is discouraged at least 24 hours prior to treatment to help with swelling.
How long do Botox injections last for?
Botox generally lasts for about four to six months post-treatment. As time passes, the muscle gradually develops new receptor sites for acetylcholine to attach to, and the muscle is able to contract again. Depending on your aging concern and treatment plan, it is recommended to receive Botox every 3-5 months.
How many units of Botox will I need for my first session?
Each person varies on the amount of Botox required to help fix aging issues and wrinkles. Truth is, it depends on how large and strong the muscle being targeted is, as well as the position and location of your muscle(s). Usually, the forehead region will require around 20 to 35 units of Botox, while crow’s feet can be anywhere between six to 15 units. The only way to know is to see one of our experienced Botox professionals during a complimentary consultation.
Will I be able to smile after Botox?
Of course! Botox is not permanent, and even after a Botox treatment, you will be able to smile and perform your usual facial expressions. Our trained professionals will inject Botox only into the muscles that directly cause wrinkles, crows feet, and any other problematic facial lines.
What does a Botox treatment feel like?
Botox is virtually painless and requires no numbing agent, but everyone reacts to cosmetic injections differently, depending on skin type and injection site. Many people state it feels like a pinch directly at the injection site, which then disappears almost immediately. Most botox appointments take less than 15 minutes, and leave some small slightly red and puffy areas for about 30 minutes. If any bruising occurs, it should fade within a few days.
Is there any downtown with Botox?
After a Botox treatment, it is recommended to remain upright for at least 30 minutes for the treatment to take effect, and abstain from vigorous exercise. There will be red marks and some swelling around the Botox injection sites, and some may experience bruising for a couple of days. As with every cosmetic injection, everybody reacts differently. However, there should be no major pain nor prolonged discomfort following a Botox session.
Are there risks to Botox?
Botox was approved for specific cosmetic uses by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. Treatment areas include, forehead, between the eyes, crow’s feet, bunny lines on the nose, around the lips, jaw, and even internally for migraines.
Risks and adverse results are generally associated when someone inexperienced and unauthorized administers Botox. This is why it is so important to use recommended and experienced Botox providers for your injections! Using too much of the neurotoxin or injecting in the wrong areas can result in a “frozen” face that lacks expression, asymmetrical issues, or drooping. As with any cosmetic injection, there are risks but in the hands of an experienced provider, they are severely reduced.
Ready to say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to younger, smoother skin?
We are ready to help you with all of your anti-aging cosmetic needs. Book your complimentary consultation today.