Botox® has been a beloved anti-aging treatment staple for maintaining youthful, smooth skin for decades. Whether you’re new to neuromodulators or considering repeat treatments, Botox can be a game-changer in your beauty regimen. But how does it work? Here, Detroit cosmetic surgeon Dr. George T. Goffas answers this and other top questions about Botox.
- How does Botox work?
- Is Botox safe?
- How long does Botox last? Is there anything I can do to make Botox last longer?
- What areas can be treated with Botox?
- Are there side effects associated with Botox injections?
- What is the difference between Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify?
- Will people be able to tell I’ve had Botox?
- How do I choose the best Botox provider?
1. How does Botox work?
Botox works by temporarily reducing the muscle contractions that occur when you make facial expressions. It contains purified botulinum toxin, which reduces nerve signals in treated muscles to lessen the degree of contraction, smoothing the skin’s surface.
Your injector will ask you to make facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, squinting, and raising your eyebrows to mark the optimal injection sites to target the muscles causing your expression-based lines and wrinkles. Botox is then injected into the pre-marked locations—the number of injection sites and product dosage will depend on your desired treatment areas and the level of wrinkle reduction you wish to achieve.
2. Is Botox safe?
Yes, Botox was approved by the FDA in 2002 for cosmetic treatments and has over 4,700 peer-reviewed articles proving its safety and efficacy. Along with its long history of safe use, Botox is the first and only neuromodulator approved to treat moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in patients 21 and older.
It’s non-negotiable to use only time-tested, approved injectables, but choosing a highly experienced injector at a reputable practice is equally important to minimize potential complications.
Botox has been used as a cosmetic treatment since 2002.
3. How long does Botox last? Is there anything I can do to make Botox last longer?
Botox results typically last 3-4 months. To extend the anti-aging effects, we recommend maintaining a healthy skincare routine, protecting your skin from sun exposure, and scheduling regular follow-up treatments. Your injector should advise you on when to return for touch-up injections, as consistent treatment keeps lines and wrinkles at bay so you look refreshed and youthful at all times.
Incorporating other skincare treatments, such as chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing, can also help support Botox’s wrinkle-reducing results.
4. What areas can be treated with Botox?
Botox is the gold standard wrinkle treatment for good reason: it’s highly versatile. Common treatment areas to reduce or prevent wrinkles include forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines, and dynamic areas around the mouth. We also commonly use Botox for a subtle eyebrow lift and to reduce vertical neck bands (platysmal bands).
Botox’s effectiveness isn’t limited to only aesthetic improvements; it’s also used to treat migraines and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
5. Are there side effects associated with Botox injections?
Like all aesthetic treatments, potential side effects can occur after Botox injections. Possible side effects associated with Botox-type injectables include:
- Headache
- Minor bruising and swelling
- Redness or itching at the injection sites
- Uneven results
- A droopy appearance (ptosis)
These side effects are generally mild and temporary and quickly resolve on their own. Rarely, serious adverse effects can occur, such as:
- Product migration
- Breathing problems
- Trouble swallowing
- Vision impairment
The injectors at Cosmetic Surgeons of Michigan, P.C. take every precaution to minimize risks and provide you with a comfortable, safe experience.
6. What is the difference between Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify?
While all these products use botulinum toxin as the primary active ingredient, they differ slightly in the formulation and may vary in how quickly the product takes effect and how long it lasts. At our practice, we prefer name-brand Botox because it has the longest track record for safe, predictable results.
7. Will people be able to tell I’ve had Botox?
Most people won’t know you’ve had Botox unless you tell them—they’ll just notice how great you look! Achieving natural-looking results with Botox means your injector must personalize every aspect of your treatment, from injection sites to dosage.
Tell-tale signs of Botox typically occur when the injector is inexperienced; poor injection technique, inaccurate dosage, and lack of facial anatomy and physiology knowledge can lead to an uneven or “frozen” appearance that gives you away.
Skilled application ensures that Botox results are subtle yet effective without limiting your natural facial expressions.
8. How do I choose the best Botox provider?
Your safety and results rely on your choice of injector; your best bet is to meet with an experienced injector overseen by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Injectors under the active mentorship of a cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Goffas, who specializes in rejuvenating the appearance, typically have a more nuanced approach to injectables and greater insight into how to achieve superior results.
Although it’s standard to look for a provider with extensive experience, positive patient reviews, and a portfolio of pleasing before-and-after photos, here are other aspects to look for when selecting a provider:
- During your consultation, your injector should thoroughly review your medical and treatment history to ensure you can safely receive Botox treatments and experience pleasing results.
- An expert injector will take the time to analyze your unique muscle activity and place injections accordingly—your face is composed of a network of 43 muscles, so extensive knowledge of the underlying facial musculature is critical in proper injection techniques.
- Depending on your preferences, Botox can be used conservatively to temporarily soften signs of aging or, in many cases, erase them completely. Your injector should listen to your goals and tailor your treatment to achieve the desired outcome.
- A knowledgeable injector will also recommend treating nearby muscles to balance out muscle movements to help your results appear beautifully natural.
- Reputable injectors will also provide detailed aftercare instructions to help minimize side effects and see visible results as quickly as possible, as well as a timeline for scheduling touch-up injections to maintain your results.
Botox treatments take 30 minutes or less, but don’t let its quick and easy treatment process tempt you into neglecting your due diligence when finding the right provider for your Botox treatments.
Botox treatments in St. Clair Shores
If you have more questions about Botox or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our highly qualified injectors, please call 586-773-6900 or contact us online today. The aesthetics team at Cosmetic Surgeons of Michigan, P.C., led by St. Clair Shores cosmetic surgeon Dr. George Goffas, is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care so you feel confident and well-informed every step of the way. Let us help you achieve the youthful, refreshed look you desire!
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