SOME FACIAL WRINKLES ARE THE RESULT OF AGING, THE DECREASING PRODUCTION OF COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN, AND SUN DAMAGE.
Static wrinkles show themselves at all times. But other wrinkles are caused by muscle contractions when we perform certain common behaviors such as frowning, squinting, and laughing. These are called dynamic wrinkles. While static wrinkles are the domain of facial fillers, dynamic wrinkles are for BOTOX.
BOTOX is made of the botulinum toxin A, which is the bacteria that cause botulism.
A couple of decades ago doctors discovered that if minuscule amounts of the toxin were injected into a muscle they caused the muscle to stop contracting. It was formulated and originally used on conditions such as eyelid spasms, lazy eye, and migraines. Then in 2002 the FDA approved BOTOX for the cosmetic treatment of facial wrinkles. That’s when BOTOX became a household word.
When injected into a muscle that creates a wrinkle when it contracts.
Botox works by blocking the signals sent from the muscle nerve to the brain telling the muscle to contract. Because the brain doesn’t receive the message, it doesn’t signal the muscle to contract and the wrinkle either disappears or dramatically lessens in appearance.
Neuromodulators are a versatile medication used for cosmetic as well as medical or functional applications.
In aesthetics, BOTOX is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, often referred to as “11 lines” or glabellar lines, horizontal forehead lines caused by muscle contractions, and crow’s feet around the eyes. It relaxes the muscles in these areas responsible for dynamic wrinkles and helps smooth the skin and diminish the appearance of these lines. Medical uses for neuromodulators include their use as a treatment for migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating), and overactive bladder. Similarly, they paralyze underlying muscles and nerves responsible for these issues to improve symptoms.
When administered by a qualified aesthetic medical professional, neuromodulators are considered a very safe treatment. This is supported by extensive research, clinical trials, and FDA approval which ensures that a product meets stringent standards for safety and efficacy before it is made available to the public.
Millions of the treatments have been performed worldwide over decades, speaking to its widespread use and acceptance. While about 15 percent of patients may experience minor side effects, including temporary redness, bruising, or headache, serious side effects are extremely rare, with only 36 serious cases documented in the first 14 years of BOTOX use. It is important to consult with a certified professional who can assess your suitability for neuromodulators, but overall, this is a low-risk treatment.
distinct benefits
BOTOX, a neuromodulator, is made with botulism toxin, while dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible ingredients. Neuromodulators and dermal fillers can achieve similar outcomes, but each has distinct benefits. Neuromodulators are most effective for correcting dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers are best for addressing fine lines and adding volume.
BOTOX injections work only on dynamic wrinkles that are caused by muscle contractions. On the upper face, BOTOX works on frown lines between the eyebrows (also known as the 11’s), crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes, and forehead lines.
BOTOX is injected with a very fine needle.
Most people don’t have a problem with the slight pricks, but you can request a topical anesthetic if you’d like. Your BOTOX session lasts just 15 minutes. There is no downtime. There can be slight bruising at the injection sites, but this passes quickly. It’s important for Dallas BOTOX patients not to rub the injection sites for the first 18 hours after treatment, as this can cause the product to migrate to other muscles where it is not meant to be.
Results are not immediate because neuromodulators have to first paralyze the muscle. The process usually takes around three days for results to begin to show. Results usually last from four to six months; at that point the muscles will start contracting again and the wrinkles will return. To maintain your results from BOTOX Dallas plastic surgeon, Dr. Trovato may suggest a treatment plan with regular injections.
The risks with neuromodulators are usually the result of novice injectors who incorrectly place the injections causing eyelids to droop and other unwanted effects. But with an experienced injector, the risks are minimal.
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Most patients consider the injections to be extremely tolerable. They are administered with a very fine needle, and numbing cream or ice can be used prior to treatment for maximum comfort.
While you must be at least 18 years old to receive the injections, there is no upper age limit. Most patients tend to begin the treatment around their 30s since this is when patients start to see the formation of wrinkles, and because starting in this age range allows it to act as a preventative treatment and slow wrinkles from getting worse.
The treatment does not require any downtime and you can resume normal daily activities right away, but you will want to follow some guidelines to decrease chances of bruising. These include staying upright for about four hours after treatment and avoiding a few things, including rubbing the treatment area, sleeping with pressure on your face the first night, engaging in strenuous exercise for 12 hours.
If the product will be used exclusively as a medical or functional treatment, such as for migraines or hyperhidrosis, insurance typically covers the costs. If you are using BOTOX only for cosmetic treatment, it is not covered by medical insurance.
The cost of BOTOX varies depending on how many units are needed to address the patient’s unique concerns. Many cosmetic neuromodulator treatments use about 15 to 25 units.
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