What is Botox?
Botox is a medication derived from botulinum toxin and is used medically and cosmetically for different purposes. When administered for medical diagnosis Botox causes chemotaxis which is a fancy word for modification of cell movement in an effort to help reduce the effects of muscular disorders such as dystonia and migraines. Cosmetically Botox can be used to heal and/or prevent wrinkles that are associated with flexion of the facial muscles.
How Botox Works?
Botox causes temporary paralysis of the facial muscles that contribute dynamic lines and wrinkles that appear with repeated muscle movements in the face. If left untreated dynamic lines and wrinkles will turn into static lines that are more permanently visible even without the presence of movement.
How Safe Is Botox?
Botox is one of the safest medicaitons on the market. Botox cosmetic has been used in aesthetics for nearly 20 years and clinical data shows that side effects are rare and generally very tolerable. Furthermore, since Botox is a temporary treatment any possible adverse effects someone might experience will also wear off just as the cosmetic benefits will as well. So, in some ways the good news is if you don't like your treatment, it will wear off. The bad news is, if you love your treatment, it will wear off.
How Long Do Botox Results Last?
Clinical data shows that if a patient is appropriately dosed Botox should last between three and four months. However, we always like to say dose equals duration. If you are underdosed for any reason you can expect your therapeutic benefits to be more short term. Furthermore, a patients particular metabolism or lifestyle can also contribute to shorter or longer duration of therapy. The full spectrum of how long Botox lasts can be very personalized.
What Should I Expect With My Botox Treatment?
If you are a first time patient your appointment can last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. Your treatment provider will complete a full facial assessment, take before pictures, and discuss your goals of therapy. Once we understand what you hope to achieve we will review informed consent where we discuss the possible adverse outcomes and therapeutic benefits of your treatment. If you consent to therapy we will also review pricing, expectations, and after care with you. Then we will begin your treatment. Although there are many off label areas we can treat with Botox most people stick with the three common core areas of treatment: the 11s, forehead lines, and crows feet. The medicaiton in administered with a comfort BD insulin syringe; we like to say this is the "smallest" needle in medicine and although its a "poke" and can be uncomfortable it is not "painful" per se and is generally well tolerated. Generally a patient will receive between 5 and 18 injections and from first poke to finish the procedure usually takes approximately 5 minutes.
Am I a Good Candidate For Botox?
Nearly everyone over the age of 21 is a good candidate for Botox. In some cases we do treat patients between the age of 18 and 21 but this age group does not represent the standard patient. Botox is not only beneficial for reducing the signs and symptoms of the aging process but it is most effective as a "preventative" treatment. If you get ahead of your wrinkles, they'll never get ahead of you.