Are you tired of looking at your crow’s feet, the deep lines between your eyes, or the wrinkles on your forehead? Have you been thinking about Botox to improve the appearance of your wrinkles? If so, you’re not the only one! According to Harvard Health Publishing, Botox is one of the most popular treatments offered for the treatment of facial wrinkles. It is used to soften the lines on your forehead and around your eyes, for a smooth and natural-looking result.
What is Botox®?
Botox® is a natural toxin produced by the bacterium “Clostridium botulinum”. Since it temporarily relaxes the muscle, it is used by providers to treat problems like migraines, neck spasms, excessive sweating, and even lazy eye, in addition to wrinkles.
To treat wrinkles, Botox is injected into the skin to temporarily relax facial muscles that cause lines or wrinkles. The needles used during each procedure are very fine and the number of injections depends on the area being treated. Once the muscle activity is reduced, their pull on the skin relaxes, and wrinkled skin flattens.
Who is a Good Candidate for Botox®?
No matter your age, Botox may be the non-invasive cosmetic treatment you need to reduce or prevent the appearance of wrinkles. Botox is a treatment to consider if you have or want to prevent:
- Facial wrinkles in your forehead
- Wrinkles between your eyes
- “Crow’s feet” areas around your eyes
- Skin bands on your neck
However, Botox is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.
Is Botox Safe?
You may be wondering if it’s safe to inject a toxin into your skin. No worries! Botox injections are FDA approved and come in very small, safe doses. This procedure is performed by our trained injectors, who have been providing Botox treatments for years.
Are there any side effects?
One of the common side effects of getting Botox done is temporary bruising. Though bruising sometimes can’t be avoided, ice and other remedies can be used to reduce it. Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, numbness or tingling.
Before, During, and After Treatment
To get the most out of your Botox treatment and minimize potential side effects, we recommend that you take a few precautions and steps before, during, and after your treatment.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Schedule your Botox appointment on a day where you won’t be bending over for a few hours as you can’t bend forward for 4 hours after your injection. We also recommend that you:
- Apply Arnica Cream – Apply Arnica a couple of days before your session. This natural cream has been proven to reduce the effects of bruising.
- Apply Ice – Putting an ice pack on your face before and after your treatment will help keep swelling and bruising down.
- Wash your face – Make sure to remove any makeup and thoroughly wash your face before you come in.
During Your Appointment
Most of our clients say that the injections feel like a series of small pinches. Your injector may use ice to numb the area before injecting, to keep you as comfortable as possible.
We make sure to block enough time for your treatment so we can talk to you about what to expect and answer any questions you may have.
After Your Appointment
You can return to most of your normal activities, other than strenuous exercise, after your treatment. There might be some swelling, bruising or numbness for a few days but these subside with time. Your injector will provide instructions on how to apply ice to reduce any swelling or bruising, Sunscreen will protect your skin and help maintain the results of your treatment.
When Will I notice A Difference?
Results may take a few days to be visible so don’t expect overnight results! Your treatment will usually last around 3-4 months. With continued use, patients often notice that the effect of their injections lasts longer. This is because wrinkles tend to become less visible after a Botox treatment, even after the effects have worn off.