Injectables

Botox

Wrinkles are a fact of life, but they don’t have to be. Even if you’re starting to see the first signs of fine lines and wrinkles appearing on your face, highly effective treatments are available to temporarily ‘erase’ them. Neuromodulators, like Botox and Xeomin, have long been the go-tos for minimizing wrinkles and lines in mere minutes (although the results take a few days to surface). And besides smoothing the skin and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, there are a host of other anti-aging and skin-boosting benefits these quick injectables offer.

Not all wrinkles are equal. Some wrinkles are present at rest, and others are only visible during animation and expression.

Wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements—squinting, frowning, laughing, and smiling—are known as dynamic wrinkles and can become etched into the skin at any age. The more expressive you are, the more likely it is for wrinkles to form. But no matter where on the face a wrinkle exists and whether they’re the result of repeated movements, motions, and expressions, collagen and elastin loss, thin dermal skin, and a loss of hydration in the skin can all contribute to them, too.

Hands down, Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment. It is FDA approved to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and is the most effective treatment for smoothing the skin. Here’s everything to know about the skin-smoothing and wrinkle-reducing injectable.

What is Botox?

Botox is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that temporarily improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is known as a neuromodulator. All neuromodulators limit muscle contractions to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. It is the first FDA-approved neuromodulator, but others have made their way into the market over the years.

No matter the beauty or aging issue, it seems like there’s nothing that Botox can’t do. It smooths out lines, limits sweating, improves migraines, and even more. The clostridium botulinum molecule it employs, which is known as BoNT/A, separates Botox from other types of neuromodulators.

All neuromodulators work by relaxing active muscles to prevent muscle contraction, keeping the skin’s surface as smooth as silk.

Botox is effective in smoothing out:

In our practice, the neuromodulator we use is Xeomin, often called the ‘cleanest’ wrinkle reducer because it has fewer proteins than other injectable products. So if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and painless way to refresh your appearance and minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, Xeomin is the best solution.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox and other types of neuromodulators all work similarly. Injecting an area with the toxin sends a signal to the nerve that causes a muscle to contract.

When the nerve communicates with the muscles, it instructs the muscle to move. The more these muscles contract and move, the more apparent lines and wrinkles become. But when Botox is injected, it prevents the nerves from sending that signal to the muscles. As a result, when the muscles cannot contract, they stay relaxed and are unable to create lines and wrinkles in the skin.

All injectable neuromodulators, including Botox and Xeomin, work similarly. Technically, they block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is responsible for the muscles contracting when the nerves communicate for them to do so.

However, once the Botox wears off, the nerves start regenerating, and the muscles begin moving, causing the wrinkles to surface again.

The injections are quick and easy and take about 10 minutes to perform. You can return to your routine and activity after treatment with no downtime.

The effects are not immediate but kick in about three to five days after, but everyone is different, so some people notice a smoothness in their skin faster than others. Keep in mind that the results are temporary, and to maintain the results, injections need to be done every three to four months to stay wrinkle-free.

Who is Botox for?

Botox is suitable for many people, especially those bothered by fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. In addition, botox works for both men and women.

Some patients choose Botox to stave off time, while others like to prevent wrinkles and lines. There’s also no specific age when to start Botox making it appropriate for patients of all ages.

What are the benefits of Botox injections?

Botox reduces the appearance of expression-related wrinkles since it targets the muscles that contribute to wrinkle formation. The treatment works for a wide variety of people and ages.

The most significant benefit of Botox is the temporary elimination of lines and wrinkles, like those on the forehead, between the eyebrows, or at the corners of the eyes. The injections slow down muscle movements, which cause etched-in lines and wrinkles.

Botox also relaxes the muscles that cause facial expressions to create wrinkles and lines.

There are many age-related issues and different types of lines and wrinkles that Botox can improve, including:

Dr. Rheaume also performs an advanced technique to treat the jawline with Xeomin to create a slimming effect in the face. She also injects the masseter muscle to help with TMJ and teeth grinding. For her Asian patients that wish to slim their faces, injecting the lower face can help make it look thinner and smaller.

What do Botox injections feel like?

Botox injections are not painful. However, if you require topical numbing cream to make the treatment more comfortable, it can be applied to lessen any feeling of the injections.

A very fine needle is used to inject the product during the treatment, which is quick and takes about 10 to 20 minutes. It’s normal to feel a slight or mild pinch or prick as the needle enters the skin. But as soon as the injection is complete, any feeling on the skin subsides. So even after the treatment, you shouldn’t feel anything on the skin.

How much does Botox cost?

Botox varies in price depending on where you get injected and who injects you. The average price is based on units ranging from $10 to $25 per unit. One vial of Botox contains 50 to 100 units, and the forehead often requires 20 to 30 units to smooth it out.

Common FAQs

How long does it take for the results to show?

The injections can take three to seven days to kick in and last about three months. But once the results wear off, you must repeat the treatment to stay wrinkle-free and smooth.

How long does it take for the results to show?

The injections can take three to seven days to kick in and last about three months. But once the results wear off, you must repeat the treatment to stay wrinkle-free and smooth.

Are there any side effects?

Botox can sometimes lead to bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Other potential side effects might include headaches or a feeling of heaviness, but these are generally temporary.

How many units will I need?

Everyone is different, and what works best for one person may be too little or too much product for you. The right amount of an injectable will help to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles without completely paralyzing them. If you’re looking to retain a minimal amount of movement in the area, ‘sprinkles’ can be done, which will allow you to maintain some expression. But a complete dose approach is best if you want little to no movement in the area. Schedule a consultation with our team to determine the best method for you.

I don't want to look frozen. How can that be prevented?

To prevent a “frozen” appearance after Botox, the treatment can be tailored to ensure that facial expressions remain natural. This involves precise dosages and strategic placement of the injections to maintain some movement in the facial muscles.

Get started with AdvancedMD Aesthetics of Atlanta

If you’re ready to smooth out your lines and wrinkles and kiss them goodbye, there’s no better time than now to book a consultation with Advanced MD Aesthetics of Atlanta. A one-on-one consultation with our experienced, professional aestheticians and team of skin experts will determine the best Botox combination for you. We can also customize a package specific to your needs so you can obtain the best results possible.

Fill out the form to schedule a consultation or book your appointment today!

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