Breaking Up with Wrinkles: The Questions You Should Ask about BOTOX®

Dr. Lee B. Daniel
Aug 8, 2017 · 8 min read

The signs of aging can creep up on you before you know it, until suddenly you find yourself barely recognizing the face you see the mirror. Whether wrinkles are just barely starting to show up or you’ve been living with them for decades, it’s never too late to start reclaiming your youth.

If you’re thinking about anti-aging treatments, you’ve probably already heard something about BOTOX®. One of the most popular wrinkle treatments, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a standard go-to product for both men and women interested in kicking their wrinkles to the curb. BOTOX® does have its limits, however, and depending on your cosmetic goals, you might want to supplement BOTOX® with a few other medical spa treatments.

So are you ready to break up with your wrinkles? Here are the questions you should be asking:

What Is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is made up of botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin temporarily paralyzes muscles and is used in medical practices to treat conditions like cervical dystonia (neck and shoulder contractions), blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking), strabismus (misaligned eyes), chronic migraines and overactive bladder syndrome.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the commercial name for botulinum toxin, which has a cosmetic function as well, of course.

BOTOX® is FDA-approved to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines.*

How Can BOTOX® Make You Look Younger?

Everyone knows that wrinkles come with age, but not everyone understands the process that creates wrinkles. A decline in collagen production, sun damage, smoking, genetics and more can all contribute to the creation of wrinkles in the skin. When thinning skin and tissue are repeatedly creased by certain facial expressions, like smiling or frowning, it’s not hard to understand why wrinkles might form. Imagine folding a piece of paper, followed by unfolding it. The paper may lay flat, but it will still have a crease from when it was folded.

BOTOX® temporarily paralyzes the responsible facial muscles, allowing the resulting creases to smooth out.* This doesn’t apply to all types of wrinkles — in fact, BOTOX® Cosmetic is only FDA-approved to treat frown lines and crow’s feet.* Horizontal lines beside the eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet, and vertical lines between the brows, or frown lines, are examples of dynamic wrinkles, the type of wrinkle that BOTOX® can treat and the most common target spots for the product.*

Does BOTOX® Prevent Wrinkles?

While BOTOX® is FDA-approved to treat existing wrinkles,* some people and their BOTOX® injectors use the product as a wrinkle preventative. Instead of treating moderate to severe wrinkles, BOTOX® is administered at the earliest signs of creases next to the eyes or between the brows.

When Should I Start Getting BOTOX®?

There is no single “best time” to start getting BOTOX® treatments.

Today, it’s not uncommon for men and women to start worrying about facial aging in their 20s, while others may not feel too concerned about wrinkles until well into their 40s.

The best time to start getting BOTOX® treatments depends on a few different factors:

· Your genetics: Your genes can be the biggest determinant in how soon you start developing wrinkles.

· Your budget: Although BOTOX® is a relatively affordable treatment, cost is still a consideration when deciding how soon you wish to start BOTOX® treatments.

· Your goals: Your cosmetic goals should also inform your anti-aging regimen. Are you hoping for a quick cosmetic pick-me-up before a big event, or are you interested in preserving your youthful features as much as possible?

Some people hypothesize that the so-called selfie culture makes BOTOX® more popular due to its quick, affordable nature and its impressive results. If you live an active lifestyle in the public spotlight, either on social media or otherwise, you might care a little more than others about preserving a smooth, wrinkle-free face at all times.

Do I Need to Prepare for BOTOX®?

Preparing for BOTOX® treatments is simple. If it’s your first appointment, have a clear idea of the goals you’d like to accomplish and be ready to communicate these goals to your injector. You should also know your medications and avoid blood thinners, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, in the days leading up to your appointment, as these may increase your risk of bruising. Finally, have realistic expectations. Take a look at before-and-after photos of people who have had BOTOX® injections so you have a good understanding of what the treatment can — and can’t — accomplish.

Does It Hurt?

BOTOX® is applied by injection at each target spot. The injections shouldn’t be too uncomfortable, but some parts of the face, such as the forehead, can be particularly sensitive. If you’re concerned about pain, ask your injector to use a topical numbing cream beforehand. Applying ice immediately after your appointment can also help numb the area and ease any lingering discomfort.

How Long Does It Take?

BOTOX® is an example of a “lunchtime treatment,” or a simple, noninvasive treatment that can be done on your lunch break without disrupting your schedule. Most BOTOX® appointments are finished within 20 minutes.*

What Happens during Treatment?

During your treatment, your injector will first map out exactly where he or she will administer the injections. The injection locations depend on your areas of concern and your unique facial anatomy. The areas will be cleaned and the BOTOX® Cosmetic will be injected directly into the muscles. After you’ve completed your treatment, you can continue about your day.

Will I Look “Frozen”?

We’ve all seen unfortunate celebrity mishaps of botched plastic surgery or BOTOX® results, but when you choose an experienced injector, you shouldn’t ever develop a “frozen” appearance. This happens as a result of overusing the product or applying the product to the wrong areas. Because the facial muscles are so small, BOTOX® needs to be injected in just the right place to relax the intended muscles while still allowing for natural movement to occur in the cheeks and forehead.

Will I Look Droopy?

The infamous droopy eyelid is another potential BOTOX® side effect. A droopy eyelid occurs when BOTOX® migrates too far from the injection site, affecting your control over one or both eyelids. This side effect is relatively uncommon, especially when you choose an experienced injector. However, if you do develop a droopy eyelid after getting BOTOX®, try to relax and be patient with your results. Any droopiness usually resolves itself within about 2 weeks.*

Is There Downtime?

One of the greatest advantages of BOTOX® is that you can simply walk out of your appointment and continue to go about your day.

BOTOX® requires no downtime and you may return to your normal activities immediately following your appointment.* However, you may have some temporary minor bruising, pinkness or swelling around the injection sites for the first few days. Bring some makeup with you to your BOTOX® appointment so you can freshen up before leaving.

When Will I See My Results?

The full results from BOTOX® usually take a few days to set in.* Most people are able to notice a difference within 5 days of their appointment.* Your final results may take up to 2 weeks to fully develop.*

How Long Does BOTOX® Last?

BOTOX® results can last up to 4 months.* Many people schedule routine BOTOX® treatments 3 or 4 times a year.*

Are My BOTOX® Results Going to Be Obvious to Others?

With the right provider, BOTOX® should never make you look artificial. People may notice that you look refreshed, but you should simply look like yourself.

Should I Tell People I Get BOTOX®?

Whether you decide to share your beauty secret is up to you. Today, the stigma surrounding medical spa treatments like BOTOX® is dying fast. Celebrities openly praise BOTOX® as a great treatment, groups of women frequently hold “BOTOX® parties” and taking a proactive approach to your appearance is seen as empowering.

You may enjoy scheduling touch-up appointments with a friend, family member or colleague. On the other hand, you might prefer to keep the secret to yourself. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you wish to be open about getting BOTOX®. Do what makes you feel most comfortable.

What’s the Difference between BOTOX® and Fillers?

If you’ve done your research on injectables, you’ve probably heard of dermal fillers. Like BOTOX®, fillers are injectable products that are FDA-approved wrinkle treatments. However, there are important differences between BOTOX® and injectable fillers that should inform your decision on the right treatment for you.

The most commonly used injectable fillers, like JUVÉDERM®, are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin. JUVÉDERM® is FDA-approved to correct age-related volume loss in the cheeks, treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as the laugh lines), smooth vertical lip lines and add volume to lips.**

BOTOX® and dermal fillers are complementary treatments. One treats dynamic wrinkles while the other treats deeper creases and lost volume.

Many people combine injectable fillers with BOTOX®. In many ways, the two are a match made in heaven. BOTOX® is FDA-approved to treat dynamic wrinkles,* while JUVÉDERM® is FDA-approved for lip enhancement, correcting volume loss and treating deep creases.** The results are often complementary.

What Other Procedures Can Be Combined with BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is commonly combined with a number of different cosmetic treatments. Nonsurgical combinations can provide a way to customize your results and get the most out of your procedures. Some of the best med spa treatments to get with BOTOX® include:

· Dermal fillers

· Thermage®, a nonsurgical facelift alternative

· Chemical peels

· European facials

· Microdermabrasion

· Fraxel® laser skin resurfacing

· Other types of nonsurgical facial enhancement

BOTOX® is also commonly combined with facial cosmetic surgery:

· BOTOX® can complement your facelift results by treating dynamic wrinkles in the upper face, an area a facelift doesn’t address.

· Eyelid surgery can reduce eyelid sagging and get rid of wrinkles surrounding the eyelids, but the procedure can’t address crow’s feet, making BOTOX® its perfect pair.

· A brow lift can smooth out deep creases in the forehead, while adding BOTOX® treats frown lines between the brows.*

Is There Anything I Can Do to Prolong My Results?

BOTOX® is far from a permanent procedure and most people get another treatment every 3 or 4 months.* There is not a way to make BOTOX® last longer, but you can practice a good skincare regimen using medical grade skincare products. A good skincare routine is integral to keeping your skin healthy and your complexion happy.

Where Should I Go for BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is available at many plastic surgery centers, medical spas and practices throughout the country. When choosing the best provider for you, it’s important to consider the quality of the practice. Keep in mind that the skill and experience of your injector is the biggest determinant of your final results, so it’s a good idea to take the time to find a practice you can trust.

The manufacturer of BOTOX®, Allergan, awards facilities whose practitioners fall within in the top three percent of BOTOX® Cosmetic injectors in the United States. These facilities are awarded Diamond Provider Status, which indicates the highest quality of injectors. This is a good distinction to watch out for when choosing the practice for you, as it’s a fair indicator that you’re in experienced hands.

If you aren’t sure where to start looking, visit the medical spa of a licensed plastic surgery center. Because medical spas are technically medical facilities rather than beauty clinics, you can generally expect a high standards and reliable results.

*This information is for education only, courtesy of www.botox.com, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.

**This information is for education only, courtesy of www.juvederm.com, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.

Dr. Lee B. Daniel

Written by

Dr. Lee B. Daniel creates masterful improvements to the face and body at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The Spa Side in Eugene, Oregon.

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