Botox and Fillers

Botox is a popular non-surgical, injectable treatment that eradicates lines and wrinkles. With more than 7 million treatments performed last year, it is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world.

Botox is a neuromodulator (form of botulinum toxin type A) that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. It works by blocking the nerve signals needed for facial muscles to contract. It’s the repetitious contraction of facial muscles that causes expression lines and wrinkles. Once injected, the neuromodulator relaxes the muscles and decreases their movement to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area. You will see your results gradually over 3-7 days following injection. Results typically last for 3 to 4 months from the time of injection.

Botox can be used to address lines and wrinkles on a number of different facial areas, including the forehead, center of the eyebrow, eye area, gummy smile and lip lines. It may also be injected to soften dimpling of the chin. Botox can also be injected into the muscles of the jaw to help alleviate pain from teeth grinding or TMJ or for a jaw slimming effect. In addition to helping with teeth grinding, it also gives a great aesthetic appearance to the face.

Botox treatments are quick with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Many people get Botox during their lunch hours and are able to return to work right after their appointment.

The procedure is not considered painful. Most patients report a brief period of discomfort during the injection, which does not persist once the procedure is complete.

While the experience of each patient may differ, it usually takes 3-5 days to see the effects of Botox. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final effects.

The results typically last between 3-5 months from the date of injection. Over time the body metabolizes the Botox, leading to the slow return of muscle movement in the treatment area. Patients can choose to maintain their results for longer periods by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments every 3-4 months. Such maintenance treatments may extend the time intervals between further treatments.

Some patients may wonder if they are ‘too young’ or ‘too old’ to try Botox. There is no right or wrong age to start. Patients should be evaluated and receive a consultation by a medical professional prior to treatment. Many millennials are starting to use Botox in their twenties when they first start to notice lines and wrinkles or as a preventative measure.

Yes, Botox is an FDA approved treatment for reversing lines and wrinkles. However, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should not receive treatments.

A week before the treatment most physicians will advise patients to stop consuming alcohol or taking medications or supplements that thin the blood like aspirin, ibuprofen, gingko biloba, garlic, ginseng and alcohol. This will help minimize bruising after the procedure.

Side effects from treatment may include bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness around the injection site, all of which will resolve without intervention after a few days to a week.

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