Botox Demystified

Among a number of cosmetic procedures performed annually, injections with Botulinum toxin derivatives such as Botox, Xeomin and Dysport are the most sought out by both women and men. With its rising popularity, consumers are on the hunt for information and answers to their most frequently asked questions. Thus, it’s no surprise that the most commonly asked questions at a dermatologist’s office are, “Am I a good candidate for Botulinum toxin,” “Will my face look frozen,” and “What happens when the Botulinum toxin wears off?”

So, how does Botox work?

Botox and related products work beneath the skin’s surface to block the transmission of signals from the nerve to the facial muscle. In doing so, Botulinum toxin softens the movement of facial muscles that create wrinkles and helps to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. While effects may vary, a person with fine wrinkle lines can expect to see the most dramatic results. To the contrary, a person with very deep creases, especially deep creases that are present when the muscle is at rest (not being used), may not receive full correction.

Am I a good candidate for Botox?

A common misconception is that Botox should be reserved for people in their 50s and 60s. While it is true that people within this age group can benefit from this cosmetic procedure, it is also true that younger people in their 30s and 40s, could benefit as well. In fact, I often find that patients who initiate these cosmetic treatments early in life are able to better maintain their youthful appearance well into their late 50s and 60s. To best understand how Botox can benefit you, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist.

Will I look frozen or unnatural post-injection?

The beauty of this treatment is that it can be personalized to your preferences and tailored to your requests. Because a dermatologist has the ability to control the amount of injection and the location of the injection, achieved effects can be controlled to look either soft or more dramatic. In the hands of an experienced injector, Botox is an amazing tool that can help you achieve natural looking results that lift the eyebrows, correct facial asymmetry, soften the creases around the eyes, relax the forehead and frown lines and much more.

How long does Botox last and what happens when it wears off?

Botulinum toxin effects typically last three to four months. Some patients, however, can wait six to eight months between injections due to development of “facial muscle memory.” Following injections, patients often find that they use the muscles that caused the creases less, even when the effect of injection wears off, hence the need for less frequent injections. If treatments are not repeated, the wrinkles will eventually return and the person will look the same as they did prior to the procedure.

Is Botox safe?

Typically, Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons are trained at injecting the Botulinum toxin and in the hands of experienced practitioners, complications are rare, reversible and limited to temporary swelling and bruising at the sites of injections. However, not everyone can receive Botulinum toxin injections. For example, people with certain neurological conditions, pregnant women and those that are breastfeeding should not undergo treatment with these medications. If this is a cosmetic procedure that you are interested in, make sure you consult an experienced practitioner who is properly trained in injecting Botulinum toxin derivatives. FBN

Dr. Kristina Paley, M.D., FAAD, is a dermatologist at the Northern Arizona Dermatology Center.