Over time, those small lines and creases on your face can become more noticeable, giving you an older and more tired appearance. A number of cosmetic services can reduce the look of these lines, but they may recur due to the normal action of the muscles of the face when smiling, frowning, talking, and laughing. Botox® offers a fast and inexpensive method for reducing lines on the face by paralyzing the muscles that pull and crease the skin. Botox® offers a safe and effective solution for these facial problems.
Understanding Botox®
Botox® is the brand name of a compound made from Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can produce food poisoning. Although this may not sound like the best material to use for cosmetic treatment, the National Institutes of Health determines it to be an effective way to temporarily paralyze the muscles of the face safely to provide an improved physical appearance. Botox® has been used by cosmetic doctors since the 1990s, providing non-surgical treatments to improve appearance without surgery. Millions of people have used Botox® without ill effects, which has made it one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world.
The Botox® Procedure
Generally, patients are advised to stop taking aspirin or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications for a week or two before the procedure. No anesthesia is required for Botox® injection. Very fine needles inserted the compound under the skin, with minor discomfort. It is generally used for lines in the forehead, crows-feet at the sides of the eyes, and for creases in the neck.
Side Effects From Botox® Treatment
Most patients have minimal side effects from the treatment. There may be some redness or bruising at the site of the injection, but this reaction will quickly disappear in a few hours. You can return to your normal activities immediately after a Botox® injection.
The Results
Patients will have to wait 3 to 4 days for the full effect of the Botox® to be seen. Deeper lines will continue to improve over a period of weeks as the treated areas affected by facial muscle dynamics become smoother. The improvement in appearance will generally last around 12 months, after which you will have to go in for a repeat procedure.
Botox® is a safe and time-tested way to remove deep lines in the face. If you want to erase lines and have a younger appearance, call our cosmetic center for a consultation to learn how Botox® can provide the desired results.