The 411 On Botox
- Posted on: Oct 30 2015
Of course you’ve heard of Botox – the most popular aesthetic cosmetic procedure world-wide. You may have friends or relatives who have had Botox treatments. You may have even experienced Botox yourself. But do you know what it is and how it works?
Consider these interesting facts about Botox:
- Botox was approved for eye spasms by the FDA in 1989. In 2002, it was approved for wrinkles, frown-lines and creases.
- Botox is made from botulinum toxin type A,a neurotoxic protein produced by bacteria, the same bacteria that causes the disease botulism.
Decades ago, scientists found that injecting minute amounts of botulinum toxin type A into a muscle temporarily paralyzed that muscle.
- Why is this important for the face? Because muscles are the cause of wrinkles around the forehead and eyes.
- Wrinkles form because our facial muscles contract when we laugh, frown and squint.
- When injected into the targeted muscle, Botox blocks nerve signals to that muscle, stopping the muscle contractions. Without the contractions, the wrinkle above the muscle either disappears or dramatically lessens.
The frown area is the most common area to be treated and usually requires five small pokes with a tiny needle. It is surprisingly quick and easy.
Botox results are not immediate. Unlike fillers, Botox takes about a week to fully relax the muscle. The full results last from four to six months, but many people have found that results last longer.
The degree of improvement depends on how deep the creases are, however, everyone will see improvement.
The good news and the bad news: Botox wears off. Most people love it and return for repeat injections. If you happen to experience a rare side effect, Botox will wear off and everything will go back to normal.
Why Botox?
PREVENTION: Botox slows down the creation of wrinkles and creases.
FACIAL RELAXATION: Botox eases that ‘angry’ look.
LIFT: Depending on which way certain muscles pull, Botox can give a lift to your eyes and the corners of your mouth, giving you a more rested look.
Call to schedule a Botox consultation appointment with Dr. Callender: (301) 249-0970.
Posted in: Botox
