While the aging process is something that is natural and cannot be avoided, injectables like Botox can help combat the pesky fine lines and wrinkles that inevitably show up on our faces as we get older.
What Is Botox?
The name of this FDA-approved minimally invasive treatment comes from the compound used as its primary ingredient. A bacterium called clostridium botulinum produces a protein called botulinum, which is a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes the facial muscles when injected.
In a Botox treatment, there is a diluted version of botulinum that is injected into the areas being targeted. This method makes use of a safe composition of botulinum that doesn’t cause any harmful side effects.
Repetitive use of facial muscles contributes to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. The neurotoxin in Botox works by blocking acetylcholine receptors in the facial muscles. This targeted blocking of the neurotransmitters that contract the muscles allows the muscles to relax.
Areas Targeted
Botox can be used on wrinkles in many different areas of the face. The following wrinkles can be targeted with a Botox treatment:
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Crow’s feet: appear at the corners of the eyes while smiling
Frown lines: are also known as glabellar lines or “the elevens” and appear between the eyebrows, resulting in an angry or stern look
Horizontal forehead wrinkles: appear on the forehead and are one of the most common signs of aging on the face
Lipstick lines: appear around the lips and mouth
All of the above wrinkle types can be treated with the help of Botox injections. It is a suitable procedure to be performed on both men and women.
The Treatment Procedure
Getting a Botox injection is quick and easy. Botox injections usually take no longer than thirty minutes depending on the amount of injections received and areas targeted.
First, the areas on your face where you will receive your Botox treatment will be marked as a guide. Anesthetic may be administered if needed to numb the region.
After this, the targeted areas will be injected with Botox using a very fine needle. You may experience minor redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site, but these mild side effects usually subside within a couple days.
There is no downtime after receiving a Botox injection. You can return to your normal routine right after your treatment. In many cases, patients can get these treatments during their lunch break and then immediately go back to their job without any issues. Talk to Doctors Handler and Pearce about any questions you may have regarding your treatment.
You should see results from your Botox treatment in seven to ten days. Results generally last anywhere from three to four months, and follow-up treatments may be available to maintain your results.
Your Botox Consultation
If you’re looking to get rid of your fine lines and wrinkles, contact the office of Doctors Lawrence Handler and Zachary Pearce for a consultation today. With this injectable, you can say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles and achieve a more youthful appearance.