The Fundamentals of Botox Treatment
Everyone has heard of Botox, but you might not know exactly how it works. Botox is a purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. FDA-approved for use in smoothing facial wrinkles, lines, and creases, Botox remains one of the most popular, dermatologist-injected treatments to help your skin’s appearance. It’s classified as a biological product since it’s produced from bacteria, so it performs differently than drugs made from mixed chemicals.
Botox Frequently Asked Questions
Botox remains one of the most popular FDA-approved treatments for fine lines and wrinkles between the brows and forehead. The medication in Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles in treated areas, thereby removing the appearance of wrinkles and creating smoother skin. If you’re considering Botox, you may have some questions about the duration of treatment, how long Botox will last, and how long you need to avoid makeup and skin care products after the procedure to maximize your results.
What is Botox?
Botox gets injected into the muscle using a fine needle. Make sure to get treated by a dermatologist who specializes in administering Botox treatments. A practiced hand will minimize pain and discomfort. Botox must be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Follow your doctor’s advice on pre- and post-treatment to maximize its effectiveness and avoid bruising or discomfort afterward.
The effects from will Botox last anywhere from four to six months. Each patient’s duration of improvement varies depending on wrinkle depth and facial muscle strength. Your dermatologist may schedule repeat treatments to keep your skin smooth and more youthful in appearance. Patients enjoy Botox’s immediate benefits and the process requires no surgery or recovery time.
Does Botox Work?
As the injected medicine continues to work on targeted nerves, your fine lines will improve over a 30-day period. The speed that improvement takes places depends on your own particular wrinkle and crease severity. For the best results, have your Botox administered by a physician that specializes in Botox treatments.
You can customize your treatment plan based on your age, sun exposure, facial shape and more. Botox eliminates the lines and creases around your mouth, eyes, and forehead. By repeating treatments tailored to your trouble zones, this non-surgical, non-invasive and budget-friendly treatment may be your path to a youthful, fresh, and smooth appearance.
Is Botox Safe?
As an FDA approved solution for facial lines, wrinkles, and creases, Botox has earned trusted endorsements as a safe treatment from the highly credible authorities in medicine.
An experienced and accredited dermatologist specializing in Botox must apply the active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A. For proper injection placement and proper measurements of doses, your doctor conducts a detailed interview with you to validate that you have no health concerns or pre-existing conditions that may cause you problems in the future.
Other factors also play into whether Botox is right for you, so make sure you always work with an experienced and professional dermatologist.
What are the Side Effects of Botox Injection?
As with any medication, Botox carries side effects that you will want to know about before moving forward with the treatment. If you experience any of the following after your Botox treatments, call your doctor or get medical help immediately:
- Problem swallowing, speaking or breathing,due to the weakening of associated muscles, which can be severe and life-threatening.
- If you experience loss of strength or experience muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, hoarseness, change or loss of voice, trouble speaking, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing, the effects of the botulinum toxin may have spread and affected areas outside the injection site. If this is the case, seek medical help immediately.
Talk with your doctors about what you can expect from Botox. You may experience pain at the injection site. You may also have a headache or other benign conditions after injection. Your doctor may suggest applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
Getting Botox takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require any anesthesia. Your doctor will inject Botox with a fine needle into specific muscles. You should only experience minor discomfort, and it generally takes three to seven days to take full effect.
How Long Until I Can Go into the Sun?
Limit your sun exposure for two weeks after Botox treatments and always wear plenty of sunscreen when you venture outside.
How Long Until I Can Wear Makeup?
You can use makeup or cream immediately following a Botox injection. Be gentle when applying facial treatments. Avoid massaging or tugging at your skin. Do not massage the treated areas for at least 24 hours after your injections. You do not want to spread the medication to unintended areas of your face. Keep in mind that a cream with an exfoliating agent (such as glycolic acid or Retin-A) or a cream with antibacterial properties (such as witch hazel or salicylic acid) may irritate the skin slightly. This usually occurs only if it’s been applied immediately after your Botox treatment.
Booking A Botox Consultation With Short Hills Dermatology
FDA approved, Botox will minimize the appearance of fine line and wrinkles. Most people worry about safety when using Botox. They can rest assured knowing that Botox offers a safe and effective treatment for smoothing out the skin’s surface. Should you have any additional questions about Botox injections, or any other type of skin care regimen, don’t hesitate to speak with a certified dermatologist. After a brief consultation, you will know the best skin care plan that will most benefit your unique needs and goals. The experts at Short Hills Dermatology can get you started on your first or next Botox treatment while offering you the care and customer service that you deserve. Contact Short Hills Dermatologist for any advice you need and book your appointment today!
