Wrinkles result from a combination of many factors— cellular changes that can occur over time, reduction of collagen, or damage caused by free radicals in the sun and the environment. When you frown or concentrate, the muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold. And when you squint, the muscles around your eyes contract and cause crow’s feet.
Botox is a popular injectable treatment that is highly effective at smoothing wrinkles caused by facial movement. These movements can accumulate over a lifetime, causing fine lines and wrinkles to occur around the eyes and forehead. Botox is classified as a neuromodulator, meaning that it affects the neural receptors between the muscle and the nerves, temporarily blocking signals. Made from botulinumtoxin type A, it’s FDA-approved for cosmetic use against wrinkles in the upper face, as well as certain medical uses.
Botox is one of the most-performed non-surgical procedures available in the cosmetic industry. This is because many patients prefer it over surgical techniques like the brow lift or facelift to smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate the face. Botox can also have many medical uses, however, which can include some effective treatments for conditions caused by unwanted muscle movements:
The medical name for excessive sweating, Botox can be effective at temporarily taming overactive sweat glands in many areas of the body.
Patients that suffer from a large amount of migraines per month can find effective relief with Botox, which can freeze muscles that spasm, causing pressure on blood vessels in the head.
Muscle spasms can be the cause of many different conditions, and Botox was first used to treat muscular disorders around the eyes like strabismus.
Botox is not the same as other injectable treatments like dermal fillers. They can, however, be used at the same time for added facial rejuvenation if you’re experiencing wrinkles and volume loss. Botox can also be effectively used in tandem with skincare or laser treatments to boost your confidence and refresh the face.
Botox requires a quick and easy treatment session at our accredited, state-of-the-art medspa facilities. Depending on your tolerance, we can supply a topical anesthetic before the injection process. This process requires multiple, small injections into the facial muscles to ensure the product is applied properly, which is why it’s important to always receive your Botox injections under the supervision of a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Overall, this treatment session can take as little as fifteen minutes, depending on your treatment plan. We recommend that you don’t massage or feel around the treatment area, as this can spread the product to unwanted muscles, causing drooping.
Botox can last for around three months, after which you can return for another treatment. Most non-surgical procedures can be performed at the same time as Botox, although you should let your plastic surgeon know about your treatments if you opt for facial surgery. An effective, physician-grade skincare regimen can be one of the best ways to maintain your great results in the long term, as well as regular professional skin treatments. During your consultation, we can recommend a customized treatment plan for your unique concerns and intended results.
The best way to determine whether you can benefit from Botox treatments is through a consultation with our expert injectors at our St. Joseph practice. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.
The cost of your Botox procedure depends highly on the amount of product that is required (measured in units). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of Botox treatment was $385 in 2017. When looking at your options with Botox, you should always consider the skill of your injector and reputation of your provider before the cost of treatment. Any registered physician can administer Botox without prior experience, so it’s important to always ask about credentials and before-and-after images. Be wary of costs that seem too good to be true, as this can sometimes mean the product is counterfeit or ‘watered down’.
This can vary by patient, but Botox can take up to a few days to begin having an effect on your facial muscles. Many patients see their best results after one week. If you experience any complications during this time, be sure to contact our office immediately. Common side effects can include headache, bruising, flu-like symptoms, and swelling at the injection site.
Stonegate Plastic Surgery performs advanced Botox therapy for certain medical conditions. Although Botox is most popular in the cosmetic industry, the medical uses of Botox are constantly evolving. The best way to determine whether Botox can help you is through a consultation with our medical professionals.
