Botox is a popular non-surgical, injectable treatment most commonly used to rid the face of lines and wrinkles. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, with more than 7 million treatments performed last year alone.
For those interested in Botox treatment for the first time, it’s normal to have some reservations about cosmetic injections. To help ease your concerns, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions that we receive about Botox Cosmetic®:
What areas can be treated with Botox?
For cosmetic applications, Botox can be used to address lines and wrinkles on the forehead and eye area (crow’s feet), as well as lip lines. It may also be injected to soften the dimpling of the chin or into the muscles of the jaw to create a more slim appearance. In some cases, Botox may also be used by dermatologists to treat medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating.
How does Botox work?
Botox is a neurotoxin (a form of botulinum toxin type A) that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. Botox® works by blocking nerve signals to prevent the muscles in certain areas of the face from contracting, allowing the skin to remain smooth and unwrinkled.
Does Botox hurt?
Botox treatments are quick and not considered painful. Most patients say they experience minimal discomfort during the injection process but that it does not continue after the completion of the procedure. Because Botox treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time, some patients even schedule appointments for Botox injections during their lunch hour and are able to return to work right after their appointment.
When will I see the results?
Each patient is different, but most will typically begin to notice results gradually between 3-7 days after receiving injections. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final effects.
How long will my Botox last?
The outcome will vary from person to person, but typically you can expect the results of Botox to last from three to six months. The location of the injection and the amount used are the biggest factors that may affect how long it lasts. Other factors include your age, the elasticity of your skin, and wrinkle depth.
Over time when facial muscles aren’t used, they eventually get shorter and smaller, so regular use of Botox may extend the results for longer periods of time.
At what age should I start getting Botox?
Many patients wonder if they are too young or too old to try Botox. Some begin treatment as a preventative measure at the first site of lines and wrinkles. Others wait until later in life when these expression lines become more prominent. To determine if you may benefit from Botox treatment, it’s best first to schedule a consultation with a licensed professional.
Is Botox safe?
Botox is FDA-approved as a safe treatment for reversing lines and wrinkles. However, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should not receive Botox treatments.
Are there any adverse side effects?
As with any procedure, whether medical or cosmetic, there is always a risk of side effects. Some patients may experience bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness around the injection site. These side effects resolve on their own within a few days or up to a week following Botox treatment.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my Botox treatment?
Your provider may advise you not to consume alcohol or cease taking certain medications or supplements in the week prior to your treatment, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Gingko Biloba, or Ginseng, which are known to thin the blood. This will help minimize the potential side effects listed above.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
For more about Botox treatments, call (919) 781-1050 to schedule a complimentary consultation at Blue Ridge Dermatology’s Cosmetic and Laser Center in Raleigh. Our Master Level Aesthetic Nurse Injector can help determine how frequently you can safely receive Botox injections to achieve your desired results.
