Botox

What is Botox?

Botox is a treatment that temporarily smooths lines, wrinkles, and folds. It’s a precisely formulated version of Clostridium botulinum, a natural substance present in lakes, forests, and soil. In larger concentrations, this substance is incredibly toxic. But the volume used in cosmetic applications is perfectly safe.

Speaking of safety, Botox has been used for various medical purposes for more than half a century. The cosmetic applications are backed by 15 years of clinical studies and more than 500 peer-reviewed articles. That safety record makes Botox a great treatment for men and women who want to visibly turn back the hands of time without invasive surgical procedures.

How does Botox work?

Botox works by temporarily impeding targeted facial muscles from going through their full range of motion. Once treated, those muscles no longer pull and tug your skin into lines, wrinkles, and folds. Your facial skin still moves and you can express emotion, but your muscles won’t contract enough to cause wrinkles and furrows.

Botox is used to reduce the signs of aging in crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines. It’s administered via a series of injections. It takes three injections to treat crow’s feet, and five injections to treat frown lines and forehead lines.

Knowing precisely where to place those injections and exactly how much Botox to use is the key to achieving optimal results. Dr. Blum has extensive experience with this treatment and can evaluate your facial features to determine a customized injection plan.

How long will Botox results last?

It usually takes 24-48 hours for the results to develop, although some men and women don’t see the full effects until 3-10 days after treatment. Those effects last around four months.

At that point, you’ll begin to notice your lines and folds slowly returning. You can decide if you’d like to extend your results with a new treatment. There is evidence to suggest that subsequent Botox treatments extend results beyond the four-month period.

What are some benefits of Botox?

Botox offers the chance to achieve a more youthful and well-rested appearance without the risks and recovery time of plastic surgery. It’s a great option for those who are curious about medical aesthetics but aren’t sure where to begin. Because the effects are temporary, you have the chance to evaluate the results before committing to additional treatments.

This treatment also has a low risk of side effects. There’s no need for advance preparation, and no recovery time afterward. You can resume normal activities immediately after your appointment, and the treatment itself takes just moments.

If you’d like to learn more, schedule an appointment today, online or over the phone.