Get Rid of Fine Lines & Wrinkles with Botox Treatment
Botox treatment takes advantage of the properties of type A botulinum toxin, which is actually the active ingredient in several different types of similar non-surgical procedures (Botox being the most well-known associated brand name). It is a form of cosmetic treatment to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other age-related skin degeneration.
What Does Botulinum Toxin Do?
Botulinum toxin is derived from a type of bacteria. Though fatal in high doses, derivative substances may be used, in small amounts, to safely achieve certain desirable cosmetic effects. By paralyzing certain muscles in the face, Botox and facial fillers help to reduce the appearance of several age-related skin conditions:
- Laugh lines around the eyes and mouth also known as crow’s feet
- Creases and furrows in the forehead
- Frown lines
- “Banding” effect of skin on the neck
Botox is a non-invasive treatment, which may be administered by a board-certified dermatologist. If handled safely and in a controlled manner, there is no more risk of any side effects than there are with any other form of non-surgical cosmetic treatment.
Non-Invasive Botox Procedure
Botox treatment consists of a series of minor injections. No anesthetic is typically needed, though the skin may be mildly numbed for patient comfort as is desired. The treatment itself is usually associated with minimum discomfort.
Tiny amounts of the botulinum toxin are injected into specific muscles in your face with a thin needle. As a nerve agent, the substance will paralyze those muscles, reducing the appearance of age-related lines and wrinkles which have a direct connection to muscular action.
The effects usually take anywhere from 2-3 days to up to 1 week to appear. They will typically last for 3-4 months before fading. Restored muscular action will cause previously evident lines and creases to return.
Side Effects and Post-Treatment Recovery
There is no recovery or downtime associated with receiving injections of botulinum toxin. Once the injections are complete, you’re free to resume your normal activities. Many patients drive themselves home from their own treatments and report no interruption in their regular routine.
Side effects of type A botulinum toxin are very rare. The procedure has been extensively tested and evaluated and has been in use for many years. However, on rare occasions, patients may experience one or more of the following:
- Swelling, bruising, or pain at one or more injection sites
- Headaches and nausea; more rarely, extensive flu-like symptoms
- Temporary muscle drooping and facial weakness