For most men and women, fine lines and wrinkles are the first visible signs of aging. Unfortunately, these bothersome creases can start to appear as early as your 30s — long before most people are ready for them!
But no matter what age you are, if you want to nip wrinkle formation in the bud, Botox injections at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery in West Palm Beach, FL, might be right for you. Keep reading to learn how these wrinkle-relaxing injections work and who they’re right for.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved injectable treatment that has been shown to soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
Dynamic wrinkles tend to form over time due to repeated muscle contractions from expressing emotions, such as smiling or frowning. Botox injections will relax these muscles to create a smoother and more refreshed appearance.
Where Is Botox Used?
Botox Cosmetic is strictly meant for use on the face. More specifically, this injectable treatment is FDA-approved to treat three common cosmetic concerns:
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines (11 lines)
- Horizontal forehead lines
Dynamic wrinkles like these are usually only apparent when you smile, frown, squint, or laugh. But as you get older and your body loses more collagen, these wrinkles will remain on your face even when it is at rest. Botox injections smooth dynamic wrinkles and prevent them from deepening.
How Does Botox Actually Work?
The key ingredient in Botox that gives it its wrinkle-reducing abilities is a neurotoxin known as botulinum toxin A. When a diluted neurotoxin solution is injected into specific facial muscles, it gently forces the muscle to relax.
By blocking communication pathways with the brain, Botox prevents targeted muscles from contracting. The result is a smoother visage that doesn’t wrinkle or crease as deeply when you emote.
It’s important to note that the effects of Botox are temporary. As the neurotoxin wears off, the dormant muscles will slowly regain mobility.
4 Benefits of Botox
Whether you’re aiming to soften deep dynamic wrinkles or catch dynamic wrinkles in their infancy to prevent progression, you can experience the many benefits of Botox.
1. No Lengthy Treatment Times
Unlike some procedures that take an hour or more, Botox treatment is usually done in just 15 to 20 minutes. This is because it’s a non-surgical procedure that requires only topical anesthesia.
When you arrive for your cosmetic Botox procedure, we will start by identifying the best injection sites on your face based on what concerns you hope to address. Once we prep the area with a little topical anesthetic, we will make a series of small injections into the appropriate muscles.
If you’re only treating one area, your treatment may be done in as little as 10 minutes.
2. Botox Provides Subtle, Natural-Looking Results
For many people, one of the biggest benefits of Botox is that it provides subtle and natural-looking results. Botox softens wrinkles and enhances your natural beauty without changing the features that make you unique.
3. The Results Are Easy to Maintain
Although the results of Botox are temporary, they are very easy to maintain. Once the Botox begins to wear off, you can give us a call and schedule a follow-up treatment session at your earliest convenience. There’s no need for another consultation.
For most people, Botox injections wear off after three to six months. This means you can maintain the results of Botox treatment with just two to four office visits per year.
4. Botox Is Appropriate for Most Adults
Another major benefit of Botox is that it is appropriate for most adults. In general, Botox is good for men and women of any age who:
- Have mild to moderate dynamic wrinkles
- Are in good overall health
- Have reasonable expectations
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Each person’s skin is unique. So even if you meet all of the above criteria, we still need to speak with you before we approve you for Botox treatment. Certain neuromuscular disorders and skin conditions may make you ineligible for Botox.
Is Botox Good for Adding Volume?
The main purpose of Botox is to relax overactive muscles and prevent unwanted muscle activity. The effects of Botox may cause an area to look a little plumper since it no longer indents when you emote, but Botox does not add volume to your face. As such, it is not meant to be used as a cheek or lip filler.
However, if more volume is what you’re looking for, we can still help. Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane, are great for adding volume to lips and cheeks.
Recovering from Your Cosmetic Botox Procedure
Unlike surgical interventions, Botox comes with minimal downtime. Most people resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. But there are a few aftercare guidelines you must follow to get the best results.
For example, you should remain upright and avoid laying down for at least four hours after the treatment. Additionally, you should avoid rubbing or pressing on your face until the Botox is completely settled. We will review all of the aftercare guidelines with you before and after your procedure.
The results of Botox appear quickly. You can expect to notice a reduction in wrinkles after just a few days.
Find Out if Botox Is Right for You
At Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery in West Palm Beach, FL, we are eager to help men and women achieve the best possible version of themselves. To find out whether Botox is right for you, contact us today and schedule your one-on-one consultation.