What is Botox®?
Botox is a non-surgical, anti-aging treatment that is injected directly into the muscles between the brows to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is also used clinically to treat the crows feet area around your eye, frown lines in between your eyebrows, and most recently received FDA clearance to be used to smooth out forehead wrinkles. At Ageless MD, we offer anti-aging micro droplet injections that slow down your aging process.
Botox® at Ageless MD
Botox is most commonly used to treat crow’s feet at the corner areas around the eyes as well as forehead wrinkles and in between the eyebrows caused by prolonged and excessive frowning. Other common Botox applications are to reduce frown lines, fine lines around the lips from years of smoking, and dimpling of the chin. Ask your provider for some other off-the-label uses for Botox such as eyebrow shaping, non-surgical brow lift, reducing “bunny lines” around the bridge of the nose, and narrowing the lower face by injecting the muscles of the jaw responsible for chewing and biting down. This causes atrophy of the jaw muscles, thus giving the appearance of a slimmer lower face and jaw. Botox can also be used to slim down the calf muscles, giving the appearance of a thinner calf—but patients must consider potentially serious consequences of such a procedure.
How does Botox® work?
Botox temporarily blocks your nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces the muscle activity that causes lines to form between the brows and forehead.
Will Botox® make me look like I’ve had work done?
Botox is a technique-sensitive treatment. You shouldn’t lose the ability to show expression when you’re treated by someone who is a licensed and trained medical expert in facial anatomy. It’s important to talk to your provider about the results you want from treatment.
Does Botox® treatment hurt?
Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX feels like a pinch. Your provider may use ice to numb the treatment area. If you’re concerned about discomfort, your provider may apply ice to the area before administering your treatment.
What were common side effects seen in clinical studies?
Three percent of patients experienced eyelid drooping in the frown lines studies and 1% of patients experienced eyelid swelling in the crow’s feet studies. Other possible side effects include: dry mouth; discomfort or pain at the injection site; tiredness; headache; neck pain; eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight and dry eyes; and allergic reactions. These are not all of the possible serious side effects of Botox. Please see the Important Safety Information including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, and talk to your doctor.
How long does the treatment take?
Your provider will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatments for you. The actual injection process takes about 10 minutes.
When will I see results?
You may begin to notice results within 3-5 days, with full effect seen by 10 days after injection and with results lasting usually at least 2-3 months and up to 4 months.
How long is the recovery time after treatment?
You can resume your day as normal after treatment. There is minimal downtime and your provider may give you specific aftercare instructions.
Do men receive Botox® treatment?
Yes. Botox has also been clinically evaluated in male patients. In clinical studies for moderate to severe frown lines, 17.5% of patients treated with Botox were men. In the clinical studies for moderate to severe crow’s feet, male patients comprised approximately 10% of patients treated with Botox. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 10% of all cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2014 were on men—that is more than 1 million cosmetic procedures. The number of cosmetic procedures for men increased by 273% from 1997 to 2014.
How many units do I need?
These can vary widely from individual to individual. Everyone has a different requirement as to how units are needed. Someone that has more wrinkles requires more units as opposed to someone that has minimal wrinkles. Men typically need more units than women because their facial muscles are generally larger and stronger than their female counterparts. If it’s your first time looking to get Botox you may want to consult with your health care provider to see how many units you may need.
