Botox Cosmetics
Botox can be a solution to a variety of concerns. From preventing wrinkles to preserving the results of plastic surgery procedures, it has been helping patients improve their skin’s appearance and boost their confidence. Whether you’re considering it for the first time or have experienced it before, here’s a full run-down of everything you should know about this world-famous procedure and our world-class services.
What is Botox?
Botox is a type of botulinum toxin that prevents and reduces the appearance of wrinkles for smoother, younger-looking skin. This is done by causing a degree of paralysis in the muscles of the face, which happens by blocking the communication to the nerves that tell those muscles to contract.
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in existence, and one of the most widely used brands of botulinum toxin on the market. We are going to refer to our botulinum toxin as Botox to keep the familiarity, but there are a few different brands to choose from such as Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau. Getting Botox is a personal decision, and the terms of that decision are yours to set. We’re here to provide expert-approved information so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
Beauty is What You Make It
The truth about Botox is that it’s endlessly versatile. Whether you want to preserve your skin’s elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, elevate your brows, correct an asymmetric feature, or treat one of the countless conditions that it has been known to help manage, Botox can be used for a variety of reasons and applications.
A Not-So-Brief Overview of Wrinkles
As we age, the skin on our faces also loses elasticity. With this reduced elasticity comes a higher likelihood that the skin will become permanently marked by wrinkles that appear even when the face is at rest. We start to notice these wrinkles when our makeup sets in them or even in photos.
Wrinkles are often a byproduct of reduced elasticity and increasingly thin skin. Botox is a means by which to treat not only the appearance of wrinkles but to temporarily restore elasticity in the skin. Studies have shown that Botox can increase the skin’s elasticity by 30% for up to 4 months.
Wrinkle Development
A person’s predisposition to wrinkles can be affected by a variety of factors, whether they’re environmental, habitual, or genetic. Some of the factors that can most heavily impact the skin’s development of wrinkles include:
Sun exposure
Dehydration
Ethnicity
Smoking
Facial tension or strain
Skincare
And more
Wrinkle Prevention
Ultimately, any number of the above can lead to (or prevent) the development of wrinkles in the skin, but there are also plenty of ways to prevent wrinkles from appearing on the skin, or to delay their appearance significantly, including:
Avoiding excessive sun exposure
Using sunblock regularly
A skincare regimen tailored to your skin’s needs, including regular cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing
Always drinking your daily recommended amount of water (or more)
Eating a nutrient-rich diet and keeping highly processed foods to a minimum
Starting Botox before the appearance of wrinkles, which minimizes the muscular contractions that cause wrinkles over time
Botox and Wrinkle Prevention
Preventive Botox is rising in popularity due to its effectiveness in preserving the elasticity of the skin by preventing repeated muscle movements that lead to wrinkles over the years. Preventive Botox is administered just like regular Botox: the biggest difference between the two is that preventive Botox is given before most wrinkles are actually visible on the skin. This makes preventive Botox especially popular among people in their 20s and 30s.
Preventive Botox is not a one-size-fits-all. It is important to have a provider that understands your goals and can educate you through the process and expectations of Botox. Botox should be tailored to each individual’s goals, anatomy, and response to botulinum.
Wrinkle Mitigation
Botox works by temporarily relaxing muscle activity. Botulinum toxin blocks the nerve receptors that tell the muscle when to contract, which lessens its ability to create strong expressions. Botox can be tailored in a way that will dictate just how much relaxation we want. Providers can inject Botox to create natural movement in areas you want or create complete relaxation in others. It all depends on your goals and needs.
Unless preventive application starts before the appearance of any wrinkles, chances are that wrinkles will still be somewhat visible even with Botox. It does, however, significantly minimize their appearance and make them less pronounced. With diligent use of Botox, unwanted wrinkles can disappear over time.Your provider will educate you on how to manage your appointments to optimize your results.
Common (and Surprising) Uses for Botox
Though it’s widely used for cosmetic purposes, Botox is also a useful treatment for numerous medical conditions, yielding a significant improvement in the quality of life for thousands of patients. Because of its effectiveness at blocking the nervous system in key areas, it is becoming an increasingly popular option for pain management. Some of the medical applications of Botox include treating:
- Migraines
- Muscle spasms
- Hyperhidrosis (too much sweating)
- Poor bladder control
- Lazy eyes
If you struggle with any of the above, it’s worth talking to your provider about whether Botox is a feasible option for you to try.
The Benefits of Getting Botox
The potential benefits of Botox are varied. Not only can it help with any of the medical conditions listed above, but it can also improve the appearance of wrinkles and prevent wrinkles from appearing in the first place. Botox can seriously make a difference in a patient’s quality of life and self-image.
Preparing to Get Botox
We are able to do the consultation and treatment on the same day with Botox. Expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes for the full consultation and procedure. If you’d prefer to just come in for the consultation, we are happy to help you feel educated and prepared for when you are ready for the procedure.
During this consultation, you’ll discuss your problem areas, desired results, and medical history. It’s important to disclose whether this will be your first time getting Botox, filler, or any other cosmetic injectable, or whether you’ve had it done before. You’ll likely also discuss any health conditions you have or medications you are currently taking in order to make sure that the procedure is a good fit for you.
At our office, we like to do a full face assessment and education so you best understand the procedure and expectations. We want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible so we can honestly share our goals and experiences.
Who Should Administer Your Botox?
Always be very discerning about who will be administering your Botox. It’s crucial to get your Botox treatment done by a licensed medical professional who specializes in administering it. Asking a provider about their history and experience is always recommended.
Botox application typically goes smoothly and quickly when done by a skilled professional. However, if administered by someone without the proper qualifications, skills, or experience, it can lead to serious complications. Always do your research about the clinic and practitioner you are considering for your Botox application. As is the case with any cosmetic procedure, it is a better idea to spend more money upfront for better results and more peace of mind in the long run.
The medical specialists who are qualified to administer Botox include a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. With that said, it is always a great idea to speak to your primary care physician before undergoing any cosmetic treatment or procedure–especially if this would be your first time getting Botox.
What to Expect from a Botox Procedure
Botox application typically happens in one session and takes just a few minutes. During Botox administration, the substance is injected into the desired areas of the face with a very small needle. We offer a variety of tools to help mitigate any anxiety about the procedure, such as numbing cream, ice, and physical distractors. This may come with some discomfort, but patients typically believe it to be fully manageable and are able to undergo treatment without any pain medication. Full effects are usually visible within 7 – 14 days of treatment.
Recovery and Aftercare from Botox
- Avoid lying down for about three hours after getting Botox
- Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours after getting Botox
- Don’t touch the areas that were affected by the application
- Don’t drink alcohol for the first 24 hours after treatment
- Don’t undergo any other skin treatments until fully recovered (at least two days after treatment).
- Avoid putting pressure on the treated area: don’t sleep on, lean on, or otherwise touch it for a few hours post-procedure
Schedule Your Botox Consultation
Jessica McCarry has over eight years of experience in safely and successfully administering Botox to her patients. Annie Smalley has been trained by Dr. Gayoso and Jessica and has been providing Botox injections for over a year. Jessica is a national trainer for Allergan, the company that produces Botox. She travels around the country training other providers how to safely administer Botox. We highly recommend speaking to one of our experienced providers who not only has a deep understanding of the procedure but can educate you thoroughly as well. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more but whether Botox is right for you.