Smiling, frowning, and making other facial expressions requires that we contract certain muscles of the face. Over time, the repetitive use of these muscles can result in permanent creases and deep wrinkles that make the face appear sad, angry, tired, or generally older. BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the more well-known injectables used to prevent and correct these lines, referred to as dynamic wrinkles.
BOTOX is the most popular brand name for botulinum toxin A, a muscle-relaxing agent that is processed and purified from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Originally, this mild toxin was used therapeutically to treat blepharospasm, or muscle spasms around the eye. It was through this clinical usage that the cosmetic value of botulinum toxin A was discovered.
We are pleased to offer BOTOX injections in our comfortable Salem, OR office.
How long does a BOTOX treatment take?
One of the benefits of BOTOX injections is that patients can be in and out in less than an hour. The consultation for treatment is brief but includes thoughtful discussion about concerns and treatment goals. After evaluating the area of lines and their severity, the provider can administer BOTOX in 10 minutes or less.
How long do results last?
The results of BOTOX build over the course of 5 to 7 days. After that point, the drug may remain active in muscle tissue for 3 to 6 months. It is safe to schedule touch-ups every 3 months to maintain the smooth, youthful effects achieved with BOTOX injections.
What are the potential side effects of BOTOX?
Few side effects are associated with BOTOX Cosmetic. After receiving treatment, patients may notice slight redness and puffiness at injection sites. Bruising can occur, though the risk is low. To further manage the risk of bruising, patients should avoid blood thinning medications and supplements and should not consume alcohol for 24 hours before treatment. Because injections are administered at the site of the concern, side effects most often occur in that localized area. Rarely do serious adverse reactions occur. More significant side effects are usually related to therapeutic doses of BOTOX, not the 10 to 30 that are used to achieve cosmetic benefits. That said, some patients may be more susceptible to side effects such as flu-like symptoms, headache, eye irritation or drooping, and nausea. If side effects persist or feel worse than expected, patients can contact our office for assistance.
How much does BOTOX cost?
BOTOX cost is determined by the number of units the patient requires to achieve the best results. On average, providers administer from 10 to 30 units of the FDA-approved injectable for frown lines and forehead lines. Less may be needed to smooth crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes. Patients are fully informed of the number of units and cost of their treatment after their consultation so they can make the most confident decision about their provider’s recommendations.
What areas of the face can BOTOX treat?
BOTOX has been used for many years to treat some of the most common signs of aging. The drug works directly on the muscles that are the root cause of concerns like frown lines, crow’s feet, worry lines, and other expression-related creases. When BOTOX is injected into the superficial muscle tissue, it blocks the release of a chemical that causes the muscle to contract. The relaxed muscle smooths beneath the skin, allowing creases to disappear. In addition to preventing and treating frown lines and crow’s feet, BOTOX is often used to correct worry lines on the forehead, a descending brow line, and horizontal lines on the neck.
Am I a candidate for BOTOX treatment?
Many adults are excellent candidates for BOTOX injections. If you are troubled by dynamic lines and wrinkles, which usually appear on the upper areas of the face, and you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be a good candidate for BOTOX.
In addition to being in good general health and without underlying conditions like a neuromuscular disorder, patients should have realistic expectations of what BOTOX can achieve. During our consultation, we discuss the expected outcome of treatment and, if needed, explore additional treatments, such as dermal fillers, to achieve expanded benefits.
Contact Us Today
If you have questions about BOTOX injections or are ready to schedule your wrinkle-reducing treatment, contact our Salem, OR office at 503-561-7000 or submit our contact form by clicking here.