WHAT IS Botox?
Botox is most widely used and known for its amazing anti-aging effect on wrinkles. It takes years off your face, which is the first thing people see when they meet you. With a few Botox injections, you can temporarily fight mother nature’s effect on the aging process and get back to feeling attractive again. It is a cost-friendly and non-invasive alternative to a surgical procedure. Botox is generally used to target these cosmetic challenges:
- Moderate to severe forehead lines
- Crows feet
- Frown lines
- Lips
- Chin
- Neck
- General wrinkles
How Is the Botox Procedure Performed?
Some important points to consider:
- First – your Botox specialist should be a medical doctor, or a nurse who is under the general supervision of a doctor. They must be familiar with facial anatomy and procedures associated with injectables. Before you begin the procedure, it’s best to ensure the individual administering injectables has the credentials necessary to properly treat you.
- Second – a Botox procedure only takes a few minutes. Sometimes, a topical anesthetic is applied to the skin. A fine needle is used to inject Botox into specified muscles of the face to achieve the desired effect. You can expect mild discomfort and a wait of about a week for the full effect to manifest. Before your procedure, you should avoid anti-inflammatory medications and supplements like ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Vitamin A, fish oil, flax oil, Vitamin E, Vioxx, and others for at least 2 weeks.
- Third – Botox injections typically follow a pattern of injections strategically placed in 4 to 5 main areas that include the forehead or the area around the eyes. A skilled and experienced doctor may make more injections depending on the desired results and condition of the skin. If any areas bleed after an injection, pressure may be applied to the area. To minimize bruising after the procedure, it is recommended that patients avoid aspirin-related products.
How Long Does Botox Last?
For those areas that are treated with the Botox procedure, you should see results in at least 10 days. Wrinkles do not disappear but are relaxed to decrease their appearance. Deeper lines will become less visible while finer lines will be completely unnoticeable. Over time, your muscle activity will eventually return to normal and the Botox will begin to wear off. Botox lasts anywhere from 3-6 months, with 4 months being the average.
