Anti-Wrinkle Injections
(Botox)
Botox is a popular non-surgical, injectable treatment that eradicates lines and wrinkles. With more than 7 million treatments performed every year, Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world.
Are you considering a Botox treatment for the first time but have questions about what the treatment will be like? We see many first-time patients in our clinic. Here are some of the most common frequently asked questions we get about Botox:
How does Botox work?
Botox is a neuromodulator (form of botulinum toxin type a) that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. It works by blocking the nerve signals needed for facial muscles to contract. It’s the repetitious contraction of facial muscles that causes expression lines and wrinkles. Once injected, the neuromodulator relaxes the muscles and decreases their movement to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area. You will see your results gradually over 3-14 days following injection.
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How much will I need?
Botox injections are commonly injected into three main sites – forehead lines, crow’s feet lines around the eyes and the vertical ’11’ frown lines between the eyebrows.
Now you may be thinking “I’d like my crow’s feet and forehead lines treating – so that’s two areas, right?” Unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple as that. A good practitioner would never treat the forehead without treating the frown lines as well. This is because it could lead to heaviness of the brow (brow ptosis), but the frown lines can be treated without the forehead.
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So, in short, if you’d like to improve the horizontal lines across your forehead, you can expect this to be two treatment areas. If you’d also like to soften the lines around your eyes (crow’s feet), this is classed as one area if treated on its own or three areas if treated alongside the forehead and frown.
There are other more advanced treatment sites such as chin lifts and bunny lines (the lines that appear on the side of the nose when you wrinkle it), but these aren’t as commonly needed.
Ultimately, the amount of Botox you require depends on the results you’d like to achieve. Some people want to get rid of the visible lines altogether, which requires more substantial treatment. But most people who opt to have Botox, just want their face to look a little softer and fresher, but still to be able to move.
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What does a Botox treatment feel like?
Botox treatments are quick with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anaesthesia or recovery time. Many people get Botox during their lunch hours and are able to return to work right after their appointment.
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Is Botox painful?
The procedure is not considered painful. Most patients report a brief period of discomfort during the injection, which does not persist once the procedure is complete.
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How soon will I see results?
While the experience of each patient may differ, it usually takes 3-5 days to see the effects of Botox. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final effects.
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How long does Botox last?
The results of Botox typically last between 3-5 months from the date of injection. Over time the body metabolizes the Botox, leading to the slow return of muscle movement in the treatment area. Patients can choose to maintain their Botox results for longer periods by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments every 3-4 months.
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When should I start getting Botox?
Some patients may wonder if they are ‘too young’ or ‘too old’ to try Botox. There is no right or wrong age to start using Botox. Patients should be evaluated and receive a consult by a medical professional prior to treatment. Many millennials are starting to use Botox in their twenties when they first start to notice lines and wrinkles or as a preventative measure.
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Is Botox safe?
Yes, Botox is an FDA approved treatment for reversing lines and wrinkles. However, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should not receive Botox treatments.
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Should I do anything to prepare for the treatment?
A week before the treatment most physicians will advise patients to stop consuming alcohol or taking medications or supplements that thin the blood like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Gingko Biloba, or Ginseng. This will help minimize bruising after the procedure.
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Are there side effects?
Side effects from a Botox treatment may include bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness around the injection site, all of which will resolve without intervention after a few days to a week.