Botox Treatment
Younger looks are ever more in demand; many people wish to acquire that look, but are not ready for a surgical procedure like a facelift, nor do they even require such extensive surgery. Fortunately there are ways to reverse the inevitable signs of aging without surgery or a long recovery period. These small steps can include Botox® Cosmetic.
What is Botox?
The cosmetic form of Botox, the most popular, non-surgical injection cosmetic treatment in North America, temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows' feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. By temporarily blocking the nerve impulses, the muscles that cause wrinkles are relaxed, giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Benefits:
The trusted Botox therapy, used by many men and women, has been applied safely and successfully for wrinkle therapy for over 18 years. The treatment is quick and effective. Botox is a purified protein; it allows for natural movement, and its results last three to four months.
How Botox works:
Used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified protein, small doses of Botox® block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By selectively interfering with the underlying muscles' ability to contract, existing expression lines are smoothed out and, in most cases, are nearly invisible in a week.
What to expect from Botox treatment:
One 10 minute treatment — a few tiny injections — blocks the nerve impulses and relaxes the muscles. As the muscle relaxes, the dynamic wrinkle overlying the muscle is smoothed away. Since the treatment only relaxes the muscle beneath the line at the injection site, it has no effect on other elements of facial expression. It also has no effect on the sensory nerves, allowing for normal feeling in the treated areas. The effects of Botox® cosmetic usually last four to six months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects often begin to last longer. Repeated use is truly anti-aging!
Are there any side effects from Botox?
Botox® has been applied safely to millions of people. There is no permanent side effect known with Botox® therapy for facial wrinkles. However, there are several temporary side effects which can occur including – Bruising and pain at the site of injection of the Botox; a tiny needle is used to minimize the discomfort, and this can be lessened even more by the use of a topical anaesthetic cream prior to treatment. Eyebrow or eyelid droop – This is seen in 1-2% of patients receiving Botox® therapy. It usually only lasts 2-4 weeks, and is mild.
What areas are commonly treated with Botox® on the face and neck?
Botox® is most commonly used for the glabellar frown lines (deep creases between the eyebrows); forehead wrinkles, and crows' feet (wrinkles on the lateral aspect of the eyes). Botox® can be used to lessen upper lip wrinkles, mouth frown, and the appearance of irregular dimpled skin on the chin. It is often used to treat “turkey neck” bands or “necklace lines” that appear on the neck with age. Botox® is not used to treat smile lines which are usually filled with Restylane to create a very pleasing effect, while preserving the natural smile muscle dynamics.