Botox FAQ: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Botox
Our board-certified dermatologists at Genesis Dermatology in Jupiter have been named Diamond Providers of the cosmetic treatment known as Botox. This means that our practice falls within the top four percent of all Botox providers in the United States.
Our Diamond Status recognizes our extensive experience with Botox, our ongoing trusted relationship with maker Allergan, and—most important—our top-quality practices.
It also means, due to our expertise with this cosmetic procedure, we are often called upon to answer questions about this popular product. Here are some of the most common questions we receive.
Q. What is Botox?
A. Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe forehead lines, crow’s feet lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows, or wrinkles and furrows around the mouth in adults.
The botulinum toxin is a powerful natural poison from which Botox is derived. It was first recognized in the 1820s, when 37 people attending a funeral in Germany died from eating sausages contaminated with botulism.
The U.S. FDA first approved the use of Botox in 2002 as a cosmetic treatment to eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since then, Botox has become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country. More than six million people receive treatments every year.
Q. How does Botox work?
A. Botox was the first of a group of injectable medications using a purified form of botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyze muscle activity. It works by blocking the action of nerves that cause muscles to contract, without damaging the muscles themselves. The muscles then remain relaxed, thereby diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, forehead furrows, and frown lines on the face.
Use of Botox is generally restricted to the forehead and around the mouth. That’s where dynamic muscles work to cause unwelcome lines or furrows. As we noted above, the purpose of Botox is to prevent those muscles from contracting. Therefore, Botox will not work to remove wrinkles caused by sun exposure. Those wrinkles result from sun damage, not from repeated muscle contractions.
Q. How difficult is the procedure?
A. Botox treatments are often called “lunchtime facelifts” because the procedure is so quick and simple.
The Botox cosmetic treatment requires no anesthesia and can be administered in as little as 10 minutes.
There is no downtime or recovery afterward. You will begin to notice results in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Most patients see significant improvement within 10 days, with continued improvement up to a month after treatment.
Most treatments will last up to six months.
Q. Does it hurt?
A. We use a very fine needle, which you likely won’t even feel. If you do, it will feel like a slight pinprick.
Most patients describe Botox treatments as painless. If you’re concerned you might feel any discomfort from the procedure, our practice features the revolutionary PRO-NOX nitrous oxide delivery system to help keep you as comfortable as possible during treatment.
Q. Will there be any downtime?
A. You may notice small red spots at the injection site immediately after treatment, but they disappear within a few minutes.
Some patients also experience mild bruising, especially if they are taking any type of blood thinning medication.
Otherwise, there will be no indication that you’ve undergone the procedure. You should be able to resume normal activity immediately after the procedure.
Q. Will it look unnatural?
A. If you mean, will it look like those poor celebrities whose faces sometimes end up lumpy or stiff after cosmetic surgery, not at all.
The results of Botox are so gradual and subtle, no one should be able to tell you’ve had anything done at all. You may get comments about how relaxed and refreshed you look, and people who haven’t see you for a while may ask if you’ve been on vacation. Otherwise, there aren’t any telltale signs you’ve received the treatment.
But it’s very important that a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon administer it. The unfortunate popularity of home “Botox parties” has led to life-long disasters for some people who’ve tried them. Please do not try to use Botox outside a clinical setting.
If you’ve been wondering what Botox might be able to do for you, contact us today to set up a consultation.
