Botox® is a treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, horizontal forehead lines and crows-feet lines in adults. Botox® is derived from sources that exist in nature. It consists of tiny amounts of highly purified botulinum toxin protein refined from the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum.
Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) is one of the most effective and safe anti-aging treatments. It has been FDA approved since 2002 for both cosmetic and medical treatments. It is also FDA approved for migraines, excessive sweating, uncontrollable blinking, TMJ and to help reduce wrinkles, forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, downturned mouths and neck bands are some of the areas commonly treated.
How Botox® works:
Botox® works by relaxing the muscles treated, so wrinkles are erased and new wrinkles prevented. Static wrinkles, ones that are present at rest, are softened and may disappear with multiple treatments. Dynamic wrinkles, which occur with muscle contraction, are eliminated or softened, depending on the desired effect. A natural, rested look is the best result. Botox also shrinks pores , so the skin looks glowing.
Botox® starts to work 72 hours after injection with a tiny needle and goes into full effect in 2 weeks. The results last 3-4 months.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Botox® injections are great for men and women looking to achieve and retain a youthful, refreshed appearance. Younger patients get Botox to prevent wrinkles, shape their brows and for a lip flip. The majority of our patients are over 30 years old and get Botox as part of their self care regimen, like exercise and eating a balanced diet. Baby Botox or Microbotox is done using small doses to improve skin texture, making the skin glowy and smooth.
How we use Botox®
Brow Lift: The 11’s are the most popular area to treat with Botox® to soften the frown lines and contour the eyebrows. They are caused by contraction of muscles known as the glabellar complex and require 3-5 injection points.
Horizontal Forehead Lines: Are treated to create a smooth forehead. Attention to detail is needed to prevent brow drop and achieve symmetry. Patients are seen in two weeks post injection to make necessary adjustments.
Crow’s Feet: Are squint lines by the orbicularis oculi muscle contraction. They can be relaxed by a series of very delicate injections into the area lateral to the eyes.
Nefertiti Neck Lift: Nefetiti was the Egyptian queen known for her beautiful neck. The platysmal muscle in the neck pulls the lower face down when it contracts. By relaxing it, the jowls are reduced, the neck looks more smooth and the mouth corners can come up, making us look less sad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does Botox work?
Botox attaches to the nerves and prevents them from sending the signal to the muscles. The muscles can relax and the skin over the muscles looks smoother.
Is Botox safe?
Botox was initially used by Ophthalmologists in the 1990’s to treat eye movement disorders and uncontrollable blinking. In addition to cosmetic treatments, Botox is used for many medical indications like bladder spasticity, cervical dystopia, migraines, teeth grinding and many more. It has been safely used in millions of patients for over 20 years.
How long does Botox last?
In most people, treatments last for 3-4 months. Results are dose dependent and higher doses create longer lasting results.
When is a good age to start using Botox?
Botox is FDA approved on people over age 18. It can be used to prevent wrinkles from developing in younger patients treated with low doses and in older patients to remove wrinkles and prevent them from getting worse.
Who is not a candidate for Botox?
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with a previous allergic reaction to Botox or its components, people with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis are not candidates for this treatment.
What are the most popular areas to treat with Botox?
The elevens or the furrows between the brows are the most frequently treated areas. Also, the horizontal forehead lines and the areas around the eye corners, also known as the crow’s feet.
What areas can be treated with Botox?
Botox can be used on both the upper and lower face. In addition to treatment of the forehead, the lower face can be treated for facial slimming, TMJ, and downturned mouth. Gummy smiles and lip flips can be done to create a more attractive mouth. Botox is also FDA approved for migraine treatment.
What is the Nefertiti neck lift?
Botox can be used to relax the platysma. The platysma is a superficial neck muscle that acts to pull the face downward, contributing to jowling and a downturned mouth, which looks sad. By relaxing it, the neck and face look defined and less like a turtle. Also, the progression of jowling is reduced.
What else besides Botox can relax wrinkles?
Botox is one of four FDA approved neuromodulators. Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau are all effective Botulinum type A medications that can be used. Injectors often have a favorite based on their experience.
Does Botox hurt?
Botox treatments are quick and comfortable. Very tiny needles are used and carefully placed.
How long does it take to see results?
Botox starts to work in 3-5 days and is in full effect after 14 days. It starts to wear off after several months and most people are retreated every 12-16 weeks to maintain a smooth appearance.
How much does it cost?
Botox is priced per unit and dose is dependent on your goals, number of areas treated, strength of the muscle. Budget is discussed prior to treatment and a plan is created.
Inner Glow AestheticsMD are Botox® specialists in treatment frown lines, horizontal forehead lines & crow’s feet lines in adults. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore all options available. We look forward to refreshing your aesthetic!
