What is BOTOX Cosmetic?

BOTOX Cosmetic is a popular anti-aging treatment that is injected into the muscles to temporarily smooth away moderate to severe lines around the eyes, nose and mouth. It is most commonly used to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet or frown lines. BOTOX can also be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as excessive sweating.

The active ingredient in BOTOX, botulinum toxin type A, has been FDA-approved since the early 2000s to reverse the signs of aging. As a neurotoxin, it eliminates unwanted wrinkles by blocking the signal path between the nerves and muscles.

HOW DOES BOTOX COSMETIC WORK?

Over time, repetitive muscle movements cause expression lines to form when we laugh, squint or smile. Although they fade as quickly as they emerge, these lines can become more visible with age as collagen production declines and the skin loses some of its elasticity.

BOTOX Cosmetic treats these pesky lines and wrinkles at the source. When injected beneath the skin, BOTOX interferes with nerve signals by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that tells the muscles to contract. Without it, muscle activity is limited, smoothing away unwanted creases and preventing new ones from forming.

The effects of BOTOX last for several months before gradually wearing off. Slowly, the body will metabolize the toxin and begin making more acetylcholine, allowing the muscles to contract again. Around this time, your provider would recommend another round of treatment. Fortunately, most people find that their results last longer with regular use.

Am I a candidate

BOTOX Cosmetic is a safe and effective treatment for getting rid of unwanted lines and wrinkles when administered by an experienced, qualified professional. It produces subtle yet consistent results that reduce the signs of aging to help you look years younger. However, your results may vary based on factors such as your age, the number of areas treated, the extent of your concerns and how frequently you receive injections.

BOTOX is ideal for both men and women, but different techniques are required due to disparities in muscle composition and facial anatomy. Men often need a higher dose and strategically placed injections to ensure a more masculine look. Dr. Rubin has the skills and expertise to treat both men and women concerned about the signs of aging.

If you have unwanted facial lines such as crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, frown lines, smoker’s lines, marionette lines, and flattened brows, you may be a good candidate for BOTOX. It can also help those who deal with neck laxity and excessive sweating. The procedure is quick and requires no surgery or downtime, so it won’t interrupt your busy lifestyle.

BOTOX COSMETIC vs. XEOMIN®

At Nouveau Medspas, we offer both BOTOX Cosmetic and XEOMIN to help reduce the appearance of unwanted lines, wrinkles and creases. Both treatments are similar and work by relaxing the facial muscles, so they can often be used interchangeably depending on your individual needs and preferences. However, XEOMIN may be more suitable for patients who have built up antibodies to the protein additives found in BOTOX, making it less effective. Since XEOMIN doesn’t contain these additives, developing resistance is less likely to occur.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE TREATMENTS?

BOTOX treatments are a safe and simple procedure. During your appointment, a small amount of BOTOX Cosmetic is injected into targeted areas with a very fine needle. Only a small amount of liquid is needed, so each injection takes just a few seconds to complete. The total procedure time is usually less than 10 minutes, but this can vary depending on the number of areas being treated. You will be able to return to your normal routine immediately.

For optimal results, Dr. Rubin recommends that you postpone strenuous exercise for a couple of hours after treatment. This gives the BOTOX time to settle and ensures it doesn’t migrate to surrounding areas and cause unwanted side effects, such as drooping eyelids.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE RESULTS?

After treatment, your facial muscles won’t be completely paralyzed but relaxed enough to temporarily improve the appearance of unwanted lines or creases.

Results may begin to show up after a couple of days. Weeks later, improvements will be even more noticeable and can last for several months, but this may vary with each individual. Larger doses tend to last for a longer duration. While BOTOX can be a great solution for dynamic wrinkles that appear from repetitive muscle use, concerns caused by volume loss may require additional treatments with injectable dermal fillers for the best results.

The treatment works to eliminate existing wrinkles and stop new ones from forming. In fact, BOTOX can minimize the formation of wrinkles by limiting the movement of facial muscles that cause them in the first place. It can essentially “retrain” your facial muscles to slow the onset of wrinkles in common problem areas such as the forehead, mouth and around the eyes. Patients receiving preventative BOTOX typically require fewer injections than those with visible signs of aging and subsequent treatments are often more effective, with studies suggesting that the duration of beneficial effects increases over time.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION IN GIG HARBOR, WASHINGTON

Whether you’re new to BOTOX or you’ve had treatments in the past, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at Nouveau Medspas to achieve your aesthetic goals. Dr. Rubin can address any concerns and questions that you might have during your consultation. She will devise a custom treatment plan just for you. To get started, give us a call at (253) 358-3667 or schedule using our website. Located in Gig Harbor, Washington, we aim to make women and men in the area look and feel their best.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW MANY UNITS OF BOTOX WILL I NEED?

The amount of BOTOX Cosmetic you’ll need will vary depending on your unique concerns and goals. The appropriate dose will also be determined by factors such as your age, skin quality, the severity of your wrinkles and the number of areas being treated. However, the typical patient can expect to receive 10 to 30 units to erase forehead lines, up to 15 for crow’s feet, 10 to 25 to smooth out frown lines and just a few around the corners of the mouth.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

After treatment, the most common side effects are bruising, swelling and soreness at the injection site. In some cases, BOTOX can migrate away from the targeted area and cause temporary weakness in nearby muscles. You can reduce this risk by avoiding strenuous exercise and not touching or rubbing your face for several hours after your appointment.

IS BOTOX REVERSIBLE?

Occasionally, a patient may be unhappy with their results and wonder if BOTOX is reversible. This usually occurs when too much product is injected, causing a stiff or frozen appearance. Unfortunately, the effects of BOTOX cannot be reversed once it begins affecting the muscles, but it will gradually wear off over time to diminish an unwanted outcome. To avoid this, Dr. Rubin uses a conservative approach to ensure the most natural-looking results.

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?

Typically, BOTOX lasts for four to six months after treatment. For first-time patients, the effects may wear off sooner, while those who keep up with routine appointments may enjoy their results for longer as the BOTOX “retrains” the facial muscles to stay relaxed. Muscle movement will return gradually, so you’ll be able to schedule regular maintenance treatments to maintain a smoother, more youthful appearance year-round.

DOES BOTOX CAUSE FACIAL NUMBNESS?

Contrary to popular belief, BOTOX Cosmetic doesn’t cause numbness. While it does prevent the facial muscles from moving too much, you’ll still be able to feel them. You might notice some fullness or tightness at first, but this will gradually subside. Any unusual sensations that last for more than a few days should be addressed by your doctor.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET BOTOX INJECTIONS?

In general, most patients who receive regular BOTOX injections return for touch-ups every four to six months. However, each individual is different, so you may need to come more or less frequently to maintain your results. You’ll know it’s time for another round of BOTOX when muscle activity gradually returns and wrinkles appear again in treated areas.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF BOTOX?

BOTOX injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. It isn’t effective for static wrinkles that are caused by volume loss and visible when the face is at rest. These are better treated with dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®, RADIESSE®, or Revanesse® Versa™. During your initial consultation, Dr. Rubin can develop a personalized treatment plan and help determine which techniques will help you reach your goals.

*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed