Top 12 Questions About Botox

There are a lot of common questions about Botox with the surrounding old-time stigma it tends to carry. As we get older, exploring the idea of anti-aging treatments becomes more popular. Now more than ever, it is also exploring preventative anti-aging treatments in our younger generations. Most individuals are looking for options that avoid cosmetic surgery and have very little down time and long-term results. 

But does Botox really work? What are the side effects? And how long does it last? Is there an age limit? Can it really prevent wrinkles?

Here are some of the most common questions about Botox:

How Does Botox Work?

Botox is injected into facial muscles. When we use facial expressions or the muscles contract, the skin above those muscles wrinkle. Botox weakens the muscles to reduce contraction and sign of wrinkles. 

Considered now as Botox therapy, it blocks impulses from the nerve to tiny facial muscles and relaxes them enough to keep them from contracting fully. It works well in therapies to soften crow’s feet (the lines that develop outside of your eyes when you smile), frown lines, and forehead lines. 

It is administered by a small micro-needle and is not only used for cosmetic purposes but to treat neurological disorders as well. Which has made Botox a popular treatment option. 

Where Can Botox Be Applied?

One of the most popular common questions about Botox is knowing where this can be applied.

Botox is mainly used on facial muscles. It is commonly used on the eye area, forehead, and lip lines. It can also be used to soften the dimpling of the chin or jaw to alleviate pain or for a slimming jaw effect. 

Is Botox Painful?

Although Botox is administered with a micro-needle, like most injections, it can be slightly painful. Certain areas of the face that are more sensitive than others, for example: between the eyebrows, can be numbed with topical anesthesia offered by the doctor. When a volume of fluid is injected under the skin, it can temporarily stimulate the nerve fibers. That response differs from patient to patient.

Overall, discomfort is minimal. Which only lasts during the duration of the treatment. Most patients would describe the micro-needle as a tiny bug bite. However, the discomfort subsides almost immediately when the procedure is done. 

Does It Prevent Wrinkles?

The short answer is, yes. Everyone’s favorite common question about Botox! 

Yes, Botox is considered a highly purified toxin that can temporarily reduce or even erase wrinkles and fine lines. Wherever Botox is injected, it will paralyze the muscles underneath the skin. Which interferes with excess facial expressions. 

Botox is sometimes used as a preventive measure to delay the development of fine lines. 

How Quickly Do You See Results?

Results are usually visible within several days. It takes three or more says to see any effects.  The results can vary but optimal results are noticed on average about two weeks out from the treatment. Which leaves time to avoid dramatic changes in appearances. Which means other people are unaware a Botox treatment has even been done. 

Depending on the patient and the area that is being targeted, Botox’s lasting results can vary. However, it is normal to see Botox injections last for about four to six months. 

Botox injections can be repeated every three to four months. In time, patients will require less treatments as the muscle breaks the habit of contracting wrinkles and fine lines. 

Does it Have Side Effects?

Common questions about Botox usually include side effects. Much like any cosmetic treatment, side effects may vary. 

A frozen face is the most worrisome side effect for a lot of patients. The frozen face effect can vary from patient to patient, and depending how much and where Botox is injected. Where and how much and be individualized and should be discussed with your doctor. 

A telltale sign of a badly done Botox treatment will be a smooth and shiny forehead or eye lines that don’t move when you make facial expressions. However, a good result will leave you looking fresher and more youthful. Truthfully, as long as you’re happy with the results anyone noticing shouldn’t be a worry. 

In addition to appearance, side effects can vary from bruising, headaches, or pain where the needle was injected.

Although rare, there are a few more side effect after treatment which will be received with few instructions on aftercare:

• Red or swollen eyelids
• Occasional numbness
• Allergic reactions
• Rash
• Itchiness
• Facial swelling
• Headache or nausea
• Infection
• Bruising or swelling of the injection site

However, common side effects such as bruising, can last up to about a week but can vary person to person. 

What Age Should You Start?

Are you considered ‘too young’ or ‘too old’? With a medical professional to consult with, there is not right or wrong answer. Your Dermatologist will evaluate and consult you prior to treatment. It is common now that most individuals in their twenties start using Botox as a preventative measure. 

It is average for a doctor to see individuals between the ages of 30 to 60 with Botox treatments. Patients’ skin varies. A 20 years may need more Botox than a 40 year old. Anyone can choose Botox when they are slightly bothered by a line or wrinkle. There’s no one right age to start. 

How Do You Know If You’re A Good Candidate?

Certain situations apply when you should not consider a Botox procedure. If you have neuromuscular disease such as multiple sclerosis, if you have an allergy to the Botox toxin, if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or if you have drank alcohol, taken Aspirin or another anti-inflammatory in the last few weeks. 

Otherwise, speak to your Dermatologist and inquire about Botox. Every age and skin type varies. Currently, a lot of younger patients are using it as preventative measures more than an enhancement. 

Is It Safe?

Cosmetic procedures like Botox are relatively safe. There is no downtime or recovery time needed after treatment. Side effects can be common but are accompanied by aftercare treatment instructions for all types of patients. 

Any of the side effects that tend to show up more severe, should be consulted with your medical professional. 

Is Botox Expensive?

Prices for Botox vary from doctor to doctor. Some doctors charge per zone. A zone would be considered frown lines, another zone would be considered forehead lines, etc. Other doctors charge based on units used per session. Depending on how many units are being used in treatment will vary the price. 

How Are Dermal Fillers Different From Botox?

Dermal fillers are treatments that add volume to help restore fullness. As people age, they tend to lose fat in their face. The lines that develop on the lower part of the face show up from change in facial structure over time. 

Derma fillers add volume to the depressions around the face, usually around the mouth and cheekbones. It is recommended that its best to work with a combination of dermal fillers and Botox to get the best results. 

Face Washing, Treatments, and Make-Up After Botox?

What daily habits should you avoid after a Botox treatment?

Face Washing – You are able to gently wash your face straight after having Botox. However, it is recommended that you avoid all facials, massages, and other procedures that put pressure on the face. Touching your face is okay, to cleanse and moisturize it. However, it is recommended to wait at least six hours, preferably, twenty-four hours before rubbing the skin

Microdermabrasions – It is recommended to wait at least seven days before having any facial treatments such as microdermabrasion. That also includes chemical peels, laser treatments and sunbeds for the same amount of time. 

Eyebrow waxing – Considering Botox can change the shape of your eyebrows it is recommended you wait at least two weeks for the treated part of your face to fully heal and see full results. 

Make-up – Make-up can be applied after about four hours post-treatment. 

Botox has virtually no downtime or recovery. However, for the best results some practices should be avoided to ensure the best results. Even if rubbing your face happens, it should have no effect on the total result. However, it is all recommended to avoid immediately rubbing your face to make sure the Botox doesn’t move away from the injected part of your face to other areas. 

To ensure the treatment works as well as possible, four hours after treatment, you can begin to move and exercise the muscles. By making facial expressions, frowning, squinting, etc, will help work the Botox into the facial muscles. 

All-in-all, based on the common questions about Botox: Botox is a relatively safe, non-surgical procedure with no downtime. Side effects that are common but mild are normal but have lasting results and improvements. No matter the age, preventative measures can be taken. Speaking to your Dermatologist about Botox can help with a consultation and evaluation of your current skin needs.  

Be aware that all results vary patient to patient. There are factors such as age, medical history, and lifestyle that affect the end results. 

If you had or are planning to have Botox, schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, contact Balshi Dermatology at (561) 272-6000 or send us a message on our Contact Page to set up your appointment.