Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment, with over seven million people being treated each year! Botox has been tried and tested for over 20 years and has been shown to treat wrinkles effectively all while keeping patients looking like their natural selves. With Botox being as popular as it is, there are still a lot of questions about the wrinkle injectable in general. We are answering the seven most popular questions that we get about Botox.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is a neurotoxin that is produced by Clostridium botulinum, which is where the bacterium, Botulinum toxin, comes from. It all sounds much worse than what it is, but when used by a well-trained, experienced injector, Botox is very safe and effective.
When Botox is injected into the muscles being treated, it depletes the neurotransmitter (what signals the muscles to move), meaning it blocks the signal that causes the muscle to move. When Botox blocks the nerve signals, it temporarily prevents that muscle from moving which causes the skin to smooth out. How cool is that! There is nothing quite like Botox and other similar neurotoxins such as Xeomin, Dysport & Jeuveau. All very similar products, made by different companies for the same use.
Where Can Botox Be Injected?
Botox is most commonly used to treat areas of the face such as forehead lines, crow’s feet (around the eyes) and between the brows. Botox can also be used to prevent clenching, fix a gummy smile, create a lip flip without the use of filler, and the bunny lines on the sides of the upper nose. Botox is also used medically to treat chronic migraines, hyperhidrosis, and muscle disorders.
How Much Botox Do You Need?
When it comes to how much Botox an individual needs, it really varies from person to person. Different areas require different amounts to adequately relax the muscles that are creating the wrinkles. The amount of Botox depends on several factors such as how deep the wrinkles are, how old an individual is, but mostly on the strength and movement of the muscle being treated. There is a recommended range by the maker companies and the best injectors follow these guidelines for effective and safe treatment.
Is Botox Immediate?
Unlike dermal fillers, Botox is not immediate. Botox can take up to ten days to fully take effect. This is something important to consider when planning an upcoming event or vacation that you may want to be ready for. Once the muscle weakens, the lines will begin to soften over time. When treating deeper lines, a few visits may be needed over the course of the year before you notice those lines to soften. But when they do it feels so rewarding and refreshing!
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox is not permanent and typically lasts 3-5 months on average when dosed properly. With consistent Botox treatments the muscle weakens over time and treatment is not needed as often. Most patients on average are treated 2-4 times a year. Some patients may exercise heavy or metabolize the product quicker and feel they may need to be seen every 3 months.
Can Bad Botox Be Fixed?
Unfortunately, bad Botox cannot be fixed initially like hyaluronic fillers can be. Sometimes simple asymmetries can be adjusted with a minimal number of units, but if there is a brow drop or other issues the only option is to wait it out until it wears off. This is the plus side to Botox not being permanent, if you don’t care for the treatment, it won’t last forever. It is so important to go to an experienced injector who has been trained and knows the anatomy of the face. Bad Botox can mean too much or being injected in the wrong area which can cause drooping or an unnatural appearance. Don’t price shop when it comes to Botox, it is best to research the injector and consider the experience you will be receiving.
Are There Any Side Effects of Botox?
Immediately following a Botox treatment, it is normal for the treated areas to be slightly inflamed, red, or in some cases even slight bruising, which doesn’t last long. If administered by an inexperienced injector, more serious but rare side effects can occur. There is no downtime to this treatment can be considered a “lunchtime treatment”. Schedule a Botox treatment with UFP Aesthetics to talk with one of our experienced injectors and see how Botox can be added to your beauty regimen.
For more information about Botox in Draper, Layton, or South Jordan/Gateway (coming soon), please contact our office at (801)776-2220.