IS BOTOX DIFFERENT THAN A DERMAL FILLER?
Some of the more pronounced wrinkles on the face are caused by repeated facial movements over a long period, causing them to become deeper and more profound. Botox is a medication that relaxes the facial muscles. It can be injected into the muscles that are causing the wrinkles, temporarily paralyzing them and fading the wrinkles that have long been there. Dermal fillers are used not to relax the muscle that shows lines, rather fill in areas that have lost volume, and Sculptra is a unique dermal filler. BOTOX and dermal fillers are used completely differently and work together well.
HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?
Wrinkles on the skin are a direct result of the repetitive action of the facial muscles. When BOTOX is used, the muscles are prevented from contracting, and therefore the wrinkles are softened or eliminated. Most often, with regularly scheduled BOTOX injections, the time between the injections gets longer.
IS BOTOX SAFE?
BOTOX is used for a variety of cosmetic and non-cosmetic purposes and has been safely used since the early 1990’s. The FDA approved it for the use of frown lines in 2002.
WHERE SHOULD I GO TO GET BOTOX?
The importance of seeking out a licensed injector with skill and experience cannot be overstressed. Your provider should be a board-certified Plastic Surgeon or supervised by one such as at Neaman Medi Spa. Be wary of anyone who gives injections ‘on the side.’ You want an injector who has studied facial anatomy and will customize the planned injections to your face. A new injector may inject too much, or they may inject into the wrong muscles. Being accurate to within measurements as little as one millimeter is critical in producing the best result.
DOES BOTOX FREEZE MY FACE?
Your face will have a lack of movement in the areas treated. However, a highly-trained licensed injector will know precisely how much BOTOX to inject to achieve the relaxed look but still maintain a natural appearance with the ability to allow expression. The goal is to relax the muscles, not to paralyze them.
WHERE IS BOTOX TYPICALLY INJECTED?
BOTOX is often injected info glabellar lines, also known as frown lines, between the eyebrows. BOTOX is also commonly used to relax wrinkles around the eyes or crow’s feet, as well as the horizontal lines across the forehead.
ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO BOTOX?
Several companies make products comparable to BOTOX, such as Dysport and Xeomin. While each has a slightly different formulation, they all work the same way to block the nerve impulses of the injected muscle to stop the creation of wrinkles.