Let’s Talk BOTOX® Cosmetic!
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Let’s talk Botox! You see and hear about it everywhere, but did you know that Botox is a safe, quick, and affordable way to minimize fine lines and wrinkles? Today many women and men are receiving Botox Cosmetic injections. Botox Cosmetic, or also known as Botulinum toxin type A, is a neurotoxin that originally comes from a bacterium that causes muscle paralysis. This toxin has been used since the 80’s for the treatment of various conditions that involve muscle spasm. The benefits of Botox when used to treat facial wrinkles was recognized by the early 90’s and today injection of Botox Cosmetic has rapidly become the most frequent nonsurgical aesthetic procedure performed world wide.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Many people wonder, how does Botox work? Well it’s really quite simple. The muscles of our face are responsible for facial expressions like frowning or smiling. As we age, the repeated contractions of these muscles along with other changes in the skin result in the wrinkles that we see. When Dr. Hovsepian uses Botox Cosmetic it is injected into a muscle, resulting in that specific muscle relaxing and becomes unable to contract temporarily for 4-6 months thereby eliminating its pull on the skin and softening the wrinkles over this muscle. With continued treatments of Botox Cosmetic, new wrinkle formation is also prevented as repetitive muscle contractions that deepen facial lines over time are blocked. Aside from treating wrinkles, Botox Cosmetic can be used to reshape and rejuvenate facial features by altering the balance of muscles. An example of this is lifting the eyebrow or the corner of the mouth.
What are common uses of BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic is most commonly used for anti-aging to treat the vertical frown lines just above the nose, horizontal lines of the forehead, and crow’s feet. However it also has many other applications. Botox Cosmetic can be used to treat vertical lip lines, neck bands, chin cobble stoning, and the bunny lines on the side of the nose. And as previously mentioned, it can reshape the face by lifting the eyebrows, the corners of the mouth, and the lips. It can also be used at the same time as other treatments and surgical procedures.
What are the risks of BOTOX® Cosmetic?
In general Botox Cosmetic is very safe and there are no major internal side effects, with allergic reactions being very rare. Pregnant or lactating women should not receive Botox Cosmetic. There is no reason to believe it cannot be used safely for the length of one’s entire life. There is a risk of mild bruising, redness, and swelling that can occur when injections are performed but this is not a health issue and will subside without a few days.
How is the BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment performed?
Dr. Raffi Hovsepian performs injections with a very fine needle that delivers small amounts of the Botox in liquid form. It is very important that injections are targeted towards the appropriate muscles as the Botox only works at the specific point of injection. This requires that the injector have a very thorough knowledge of facial muscle anatomy. The injections are quite tolerable; commonly no anesthetic is used but a topical gel may be applied on the skin to provide a temporary numbing.
What are the aftercare instructions for BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Cold compress can be used immediately after injection to reduce swelling. Makeup can be applied at any time after the procedure. The effects of treatment can be seen within a few hours but the full effect will take 7-14 days. Muscle activity will begin to gradually return 4 months after the treatment. With repeated timely treatments, many have noted a slightly longer duration of action around 6 months.
Getting Started
If you are interested, Dr. Hovsepian and his staff will be more than happy to discuss Botox Cosmetic treatments with you.
Contact Dr. Hovsepian today to discuss the possibility of receiving your Botox treatment. He will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
To take the first steps in achieving your aesthetic goals, please request your consultation online or by telephone.
Considering Botox Injections? Learn more here… (www.rhmd.com)