Most people have heard of Botox. It is the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure and its popularity continues to surge. While some praise it for its ability to reduce and prevent wrinkles, others fear it will make them look overdone or result in an inability to create certain facial expressions. The reality is — when administered safely, effectively, and tastefully — the client will look refreshed, rejuvenated and more youthful with no indication of having had a treatment.
Botox, produced by a powerful bacteria, essentially stops muscle contractions. It blocks nerve impulses from sending messages to the muscles, and when used in very localized areas of the body (and in controlled situations), Botox can target specific nerves connected to specific muscles, preventing them from contracting.
Are crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles and frown lines making you look irritated or uptight even when you’re feeling great? Do you suffer regularly from migraines and headaches even on the most overcast of days? At CosmeDERM we want all of our patients to look and feel great while shaving years off the look of their appearance. In one quick and easy session, we’re able to soften dramatic lines and wrinkles, creating a more natural look that appears refreshed, content and more youthful!
At CosmeDERM we address fine lines and wrinkles (as well as other common concerns) with Botox®. The treatment involves safely injecting the muscles responsible for creating the lines and wrinkles in the patient’s face. Botox® temporarily paralyzes these contracting muscles, leaving the skin looking smoother, and with marked improvements of any minor or deep creases. Patients will be able to notice results right away with full results apparent after 7-10 days.
Botox® Can Be Used to Address The Following:
- Crow’s Feet
- Frown Lines (Angry Lines)
- Smoker’s Lines (Around the Mouth)
- Forehead Lines
- Droopy Corners of the Mouth
- Gummy Smile
- Bunny Lines
- Brow Lifting
- Jaw Contouring
Other Common Conditions Botox® Can Treat:
- Neck Spasms (Platysmal Bands)
- Peau D’Orange (Chin Dimpling)
- Downward Turned Nose (Depressor Septi)
- Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
- TMJ -Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
- Migraines and Headaches
- Excessive Squinting
Have a question about Botox?
Results from Botox® typically last anywhere from 4-6 months with fewer maintenance sessions required after continuing with a series of treatments. Botox® relaxes the muscle, which means that throughout several sessions the muscle’s nerves no longer contract and learn to remain dormant, essentially preventing any further movement.
Other commonly treated areas include any muscles causing neck spasms or uncontrollable squinting, as well as the underarms, which aids in reducing hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating! As with any treatment, it’s vitally important that patients seek the expertise of a professional, well-experienced injector. While the administration of Botox® is fairly straightforward, the results greatly depend on the expertise of your injector. Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our experienced dermatologist-led CosmeDERM team. If you are in the Kitchener area contact us to book your initial consultation here.
Frequently Asked Questions on Botox
Botox is used in medicine for many conditions, including the treatment of large muscle spasms, hyperhidrosis (or excessive sweating) and more. In cosmetic medicine and aesthetics, Botox is more commonly known for its use around the face to moderate muscle activity that causes wrinkles and lines.
When our skin squeezes and presses together via underlying muscle contractions, the elastic nature of it is weakened causing lines to form across the skin. Botox can target the muscles of the face to stop them from contracting which prevents the skin from being moved in that way. If, for example, we can’t raise our eyebrows, then we can’t form these lines because the muscles are immobilized. Therefore, the skin would never lose its elasticity and the skin would appear smoother.
Botox is very useful for people who have dynamic lines, wrinkles, and creases. These are made by repetitive facial expressions. Static wrinkles or lines appear present whether or not our muscles contract. This can make you appear angry or disgruntled even though you feel great! After years (even decades) of repetitive muscle contractions, lines and creases become more permanent.
When utilized by a professionally trained and experienced injector, Botox is injected directly into the major muscles of the forehead and face in minuscule amounts. The major muscles are then paralyzed, resulting in little to no movement. This lack of movement allows the skin to stay smooth and wrinkle-free. Popular injection sites include major facial muscles from the forehead down to the neck. These may include horizontal and vertical lines along the forehead, between the eyebrows, lines around the nose, eyes, mouth and more! Within 3 days of treatment, the lines begin to disappear. After 7-10 days, the muscles are paralyzed. While it remains a remarkable anti-aging tool, Botox can also be used on clients with strong chronic migraines by paralyzing overactive muscles in the forehead.
Botox is a temporary treatment. While results are typically long-lasting, clients will always need to schedule maintenance treatments to prolong the youthful-looking results. Injectables like Botox allow us to age more gradually and gracefully without appearing exhausted or stressed, and rather more radiant, rejuvenated and vibrant.
The duration Botox lasts will always depend on the client and their needs. For clients with deeper lines and wrinkles, more units are required and sessions would be spaced closer together. After various sessions, results last longer stretches, requiring less maintenance while still enjoying the beneficial results. In the beginning, sessions will typically be spaced out every 3 months, then every 6-9 months, followed by yearly sessions.
Botox is an FDA-approved purified neurotoxin that is processed in controlled and sanitary environments. The doses injected are hundreds of times less than the amount needed to inject into a large muscle in the body. When injected into facial muscles it is absorbed instantly and does not spread or diffuse into the body. Botox has an outstandingly safe history and common side effects including redness, swelling and tenderness typically subside within an hour. Clients also comment that Botox injections involve little to no discomfort. Its targeting ability allows for an application that is incredibly safe and effective when administered by a skilled and qualified injector.
Clients are always encouraged to choose a medical professional who is qualified, experienced and well-educated to avoid poor results and unsafe handling. The injector should know the subject of facial anatomy thoroughly because Botox can lend unattractive results if injected into the wrong muscle. Botox induces paralysis by softening and relaxing the muscles without disturbing other underlying muscles and nerve signals resulting in smooth, more youthful-looking skin.
It’s not just women (and men!) of a certain age that are turning to the needle to banish stubborn creases, lines, and wrinkles. More and more trendsetting celebrities and everyday working women are saying no to the knife and yes to the needle, choosing treatments that lend beautiful results without the need for plastic surgery. We are seeing more and more clients who are not only looking to reverse signs of aging but also prevent more apparent signs of aging. With Botox, patients look more refreshed, energetic and youthful with no downtime and a treatment that is safe, relatively long-lasting and incredibly effective.
