The cosmetic use of Botox® has literally revolutionized the treatment of wrinkles. The results are dramatic, but natural (if done correctly) and the procedure is safe. Here are a few tips to achieve the best results:
-
- Choose the right doctor. How? Ask friends for a recommendation. Use a dermatologist who you have already seen for a skin problem (but make sure that you trust and like this person), or check these resources on the web: Allergan’s website www.botoxcosmetic.com and www.aboutskinsurgery.com. One caveat: If you have your Botox® done by somebody who is not a physician, you are asking for trouble.
- Do not fall for “low price” advertising. These ads in the back of magazines that seem too good to be true, are too good to be true. Botox® is expensive to buy, and they will simply use less of it.
- Once you’ve been treated, keep your follow-up appointment. This is an opportunity for the doctor to do “touch-ups” that can make all the difference in your final result.
- Maintain your Botox®. This usually requires three treatments a year. Botox® gives an immediate improvement (first week), but after a few months, the effect increases. This is for two reasons: First, the muscles that form wrinkles, smooth out with time and the skin “re-drapes”. Second, the skin, now free from the muscle that was “ironing” in the line, has time to repair itself.
- Deep lines need combination treatment. Botox® cannot cure every wrinkle, but results can be enhanced by combining Botox® with a second minor procedure. For instance, a great way to treat “Crow’s Feet” is to combine Botox® with a very light laser peel.
- Make Botox® part of an overall plan for your skin. Wear sunscreen, start a home skin care regimen, and combine Botox® with other appropriate procedures that improve the overall appearance and structure of your skin.
Botox® is a leading treatment for erasing and softening wrinkles and frown lines. Botox® can be used to effectively improve the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines in a matter of weeks. In addition, Botox® can be used for excessive sweating of the underarms or feet with the effects of treatments lasting up to 12 months.
OVERVIEW
Botox® is not a filler, but a protein that relaxes underlying muscles. Botox® works by blocking impulses from the nerves to the muscles that create expression lines.
Botox® injections have been used safely and effectively for over 10 years in treating many ophthamological and neurological disorders, and more recently have been used to treat migraine headaches. Botox® is approved by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles and expression lines, but cannot improve wrinkles due to aging and sun-damaged skin.
TREATMENT
A small amount of Botox® is precisely injected into specific locations in the face, neck and/or lips through a tiny needle. The pain is minimal, and only a small amount of Botox® is required. You can resume normal activities immediately, but the muscle must be used actively in the first 2 hours to maximize the effect. Temporary bruising is the most common side effect, which can easily be covered with makeup.
RESULTS
Botox® smooths out expression lines, giving your face a more youthful and calm appearance. The effects of Botox® may be visible in 5 to 7 days. Maximum benefits are reached between 10 to 14 days.
After treatment, the skin remains smooth and unwrinkled. The untreated facial muscles contract as usual, allowing your normal facial expression to be unaffected.
The effects of Botox® usually lasts 4 to 6 months and then fade gradually. You will need to follow-up with treatments 2 to 3 times a year. Clinical studies show longer lasting effects after receiving multiple treatments over time.
Source: Vivacare
Last updated : 2/10/2023