Lawrence A. Schiffman, D.O., FAOCD - Board Certified Dermatologist
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Over 1 million Americans get Botox treatments every year. And that number is continuing to grow with each year.
No longer is Botox something that wealthy old women do to erase wrinkles and other signs of aging on their face. More and more people are discovering the benefits of Botox regardless of their age or the number of lines on their faces.
Chances are, someone that you know has uncovered the benefits of Botox and gets regular Botox injections.
This comprehensive guide will help to explain why Botox is so popular and why you should add Botox injections to your skincare routine.
Though most people have heard of Botox, you may be wondering what it actually is and how it works.
Botox injections are made of the neurotoxin onobotulinumtoxinA. This neurotoxin is produced by the microbe botulinum. This same microbe causes a serious type of food poisoning called botulism.
Botox treatment uses a very small amount of neurotoxin, posing no risk to your health. It works by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from nerves so that the muscles near the injection site do not contract.
This relaxes the facial muscles around the eyes and mouth that cause wrinkles. This is why pop culture commonly parodies Botox as freezing the face. However, when properly administered, the result can be subtle and natural-looking.
There is no risk associated with the long-term use of Botox injections. Many people choose to get another treatment as soon as the results begin to wear off. In fact, this is the most effective way to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from appearing on your skin.
Hearing that Botox paralyzes facial muscles can be a cause for concern in many people. It may leave you wondering why get Botox. However, Botox performed by a skilled doctor can give you the results you are looking for without leaving you with a face that doesn't move at all.
Though Botox is most commonly known as an anti-aging cosmetic procedure, there are many advantages of Botox that you might not be aware of. Read on to learn about some uses of Botox and discover why you need Botox.
Botox is well known for its treatment of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Common facial wrinkles and creases that Botox treats include:
All of these wrinkles are caused by the contraction or movement of the surrounding muscles. For example, crow's feet often result from smiling. Botox relaxes those muscles so that the skin doesn't crease when the rest o the face moves to smile, talks, or frowns.
When these muscles are temporarily relaxed, lines and wrinkles are greatly reduced.
Botox does more to slow the aging process than hiding wrinkles. A new study revealed that long-term use of Botox actually maintains skin elasticity even as you age.
Elasticity is one of the most fundamental reasons why youthful skin looks the way it does. The skin's elasticity naturally declines as you age, paving the way for wrinkles and fine lines to set in.
When used long-term, Botox can actually maintain the skin's elasticity for longer. Restricting muscle activity in the areas where Botox is used means that elasticity lasts for longer.
Botox is not simply something that older women do to reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles. Preventative Botox can actually prevent wrinkles from forming and has been rising in popularity.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox treatments in people in their 20s have risen 28% in recent years. Botox relaxes the facial muscles where facial contractions generally cause wrinkles and lines. This can prevent those wrinkles from occurring.
When used in conjunction with other important anti-aging methods like slathering on the SPF, Botox can significantly reduce the effect of aging on the skin. This means that the skin stays youthful for longer and reduces the amount of Botox needed in the future.
When Botox paralyzes the nerves in the area of the injection site, it can also block the nerves that signal for your body to sweat. This is an especially useful treatment for those who suffer from excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis.
Regular antiperspirants cannot treat this condition. However, Botox can eliminate excess sweating at the injection site.
In addition to well-documented and popular benefits for skincare, Botox injections also have a number of medical benefits in the treatment of certain conditions. These conditions include chronic migraines, muscle spasms, lazy eyes, and an overactive bladder.
Botox can help to relax the muscles that trigger these conditions, either eliminating or greatly improving the symptoms. Sufferers of chronic migraines who were treated with Botox experienced 50-70% fewer headache days after treatment.
For the best results, you should get Botox treatment regularly. With regular treatment, existing wrinkles will remain hidden and new wrinkles will not be able to occur in the areas where you receive treatment.
The results are normally visible within 1 to 2 days after treatment and the effects usually last for three to four months after the injection. You may experience some bruising at the injection site, but this is far less common if you do not take any pain medications prior to treatment.
Botox is not an excessively painful procedure and produces a pinching sensation. If you are concerned about pain from Botox, you can ask your provider for a numbing cream to help to relieve some of the discomfort.
Botox is generally a very safe and popular treatment. But, there are some risks involved if the person administering the Botox is not experienced. A licensed therapist can administer Botox to smoothen out wrinkles without changing your normal facial expressions.
Whether you have smooth skin that you are hoping to keep that way or your face is etched with the evidence of a lifetime of laughter, Botox is a great solution for bringing youth back to your skin.
Miami Skin Dr. has the experience to deliver the benefits of Botox without any fear of negative consequences. Book an appointment today and give your skin a youthful glow.
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