What is Botox?
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Botox is a botulinum toxin type A protein used by millions of people and by numerous different medical specialists to treat a variety of issues. Botox is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to prevent wrinkle formation. Botox, Xeomin and Dysport are all botolinum toxin proteins that are manufactured by different companies. They have very subtle differences, but all have the same effects.
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What can Botox do?
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Botox works on reducing wrinkles that are seen during expression. It can not get rid of lines that are present at rest, but overtime these lines will improve. In addition to minimizing facial wrinkles and crow’s feet, Botox can be used to prevent or reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile.” It can help elevate the outer eyebrow in some women to create an arching eyebrow. Lip wrinkles in some women can be reduced or prevented. Lips may no longer “thin out” while smiling. Botox may help reduce the size of the masseter muscle on the jaw and help reduce the size of a wide jaw often seen in some Asian patients.
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How long does it take Botox to work?
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While you may find Botox injections produce observable results in two to three days, two weeks may be required to experience the full effects of Botox.
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How often must I have Botox Injections?
The maximum effect of Botox is at one month post injection and then the muscle strength gradually returns to normal and the effect is completely gone by 3-4 months.
Because the nerve regenerates new nerve endings every three to four months, Botox injections must be repeated on average every three to four months to maintain results. Botox leaves no significant residual effects beyond the four-month time frame for most.
Some patients find the Botox injection effect continues for six months or more. Generally, in these cases the Botox has worn off; however, muscle memory has been interrupted, meaning the patient no longer frowns or squints as before the Botox injection.
The best timing for your injection is before your last Botox injection wears off. The goal is to keep the targeted muscles in a weakened state. Our patients are encouraged to schedule their visits before their frown muscles are able to regain bulk or strength. Weaker muscles mean fewer wrinkles. For best results, Botox should be re-injected three to four times per year; however, twice a year may have some impact.
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How much does it cost?
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Botox is sold by units. We are offering an introductory and affordable price of 8$ per unit. The units each patient would need is dependent on where they want the treatment and how strong their muscles are. The typical units needed for treating women's frown lines are 20-30 units, for crow feet 24-30 units, for forehead lines is 12-20. men typically need 1.5-2 times this amount due to bigger and stronger muscles.
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Who should NOT get Botox injections?
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Ladies who are pregnant or nursing should not get Botox as the effects on the developing fetus/baby is not known. Patients who are allergic to albumin; have an infection, or muscle weakness at the site of the injection; or have Eaton-Lambert syndrome, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) or Myasthenia Gravis.
Is Botox right for men?
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Botox is effective for men by reducing forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet. Men are excellent candidates. Botox procedures 3 to 4 times per year will help prevent wrinkles. An experienced physician’s approach is vital in retaining natural expressions and preventing an over-arched eyebrow or a fake look.
Men require more Botox because of their heavier muscles. Some men choose a lower dose injection with more movement and receive injections every two months.
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How does Botox work?
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Botox works at the nicotinic nerve ending, preventing the release of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter vesicles. This inhibits communication between the nerve and target muscle.
Botox relaxes voluntary muscle movement in certain facial areas. It reduces or eliminates “dynamic wrinkles” or those wrinkles which become more pronounced with expression and movement. Wrinkles present at rest are known as “static wrinkles.” Botox alone will not address “static wrinkles.” Additional procedures such as laser, fillers and chemical peels may enhance your appearance when used in addition to Botox.
What are Botox risks/side effects?
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Usual Botox risks include minor bruising from the needle. Muscle stiffness or weakness can theoretically occur, especially in people with Myasthenia Gravis. Allergic reaction and infection is also theoretically possible. Flu-like symptoms or minor headaches can occur.
Under correction (not enough effect) is usually fixed with more Botox injections as needed. Over correction (too much effect) can lead to a frozen look and has no treatment, but Botox wears off in 3-4 months so it is a temporary risk. Facial asymmetry (one side looks different than the other) and
Paralysis of nearby muscles can lead to droopy eyelid, droopy eyebrow, double vision, inability to close eye, difficulty whistling or drinking from a straw, difficulty with swallowing and asymmetric smile. Droopy eyelids occur in about 3% of Botox injection cases, and if that happens an eye drop can be prescribed that will correct the problem until the Botox effects wears off.
Most of the risks are temporary, subsiding as the Botox wears off.
Does Botox prevent wrinkles?
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Botox works best when started at a younger age specifically in your late 20’s and early 30’s. Botox is an effective prevention treatment.
It is also effective for older patients once “static” wrinkles have formed.
Skin that begins forming fine lines as a result of over expression such as smiling, eyebrow expression, squinting from the sun or computer work may benefit from Botox as a wrinkle preventative as early as age 25. Some women who do not “talk with their eyes” and don’t form too many expressions may not need Botox even as they get older. Each person’s muscle movement and expressions are unique.
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What are the Effects of Botox in Older Patients?
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You cannot ignore your skin for 50 years and expect Botox to work magic. However, Botox may be a start on your path to a more rejuvenated appearance. Botox has a more limited benefit in older patients when used alone. Patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond can benefit from Botox, although other procedures may be necessary for the optimum results.
In your 40’s, a good skin care regimen combined with chemical peels such as VI Peel as well as Fractionated CO2 laser provide best results. This treatment combination prevents further wrinkles, reducing those already formed. Patients in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s or beyond often require additional surgery such as lower facelift, brow lift or eyelid lift in addition to Botox and lasers to obtain the best results.