Botox Treatment
After years of smiling, squinting, and using the muscles in our faces, it’s only natural that wrinkles and fine lines develop as we age. Aging shows differently on everyone, and the most important thing we want for our patients is for them to feel confident in their skin. Here’s what you need to know about Botox, a cosmetic treatment we offer to tackle those aging troubles.
What is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator that’s carefully injected into the skin to reduce facial creases and rejuvenate an aging face. It’s injected into specific muscles in the face (depending on the patient), which allows the Botox to block nerves causing those muscles to contract. As a result, Botox weakens the muscle, reduces the look of wrinkles, and prevents them from developing or worsening for a period of time.
What Can I Expect During an Appointment?
During a Botox session, the skin is first numbed using a topical cream or ice to reduce any possible discomfort. A thin needle is then used to inject small amounts of Botox into the skin and muscles. The number of injections in any given appointment will vary depending on the extent of the area being treated; however, treatment sessions are typically short and last between 10-15 minutes.
Are there any Side Effects?
Usually after a couple of hours of taking it easy and not touching the treated area, patients can resume their normal daily activities after a Botox session. Rubbing or massaging the areas treated may cause the Botox to move to a different part of the face and hinders its success. Patients will notice results within a few days, but it can sometimes take up to a week to see the full effect.
What are the Long-Term Results?
It takes about three to four months before patients might start to see the effects of Botox wearing off. To stay consistent, we recommend scheduling follow-up appointments with all of our patients. We often start with lower doses to determine how well treatment worked for our patients during their first appointment, and then we increase dosages for ongoing Botox injections for the greatest results. While Botox is 100% safe, we do recommend scheduling ongoing appointments every three to four months (nothing less) to prevent having too much Botox in the system, which can lead to problems with a patient’s natural look.
Is Botox Right for Me?
If you’re curious about Botox or considering it as an option for you, we suggest starting the conversation by scheduling an initial consultation with our specialist. At Coastal Dermatology & Surgery Center, we are here to talk to you about any questions you might have regarding the procedure and to review your medical history to ensure you’re an ideal candidate. Contact our office today if you’re ready to take the next steps to treating your fine lines and wrinkles for good.