Smile lines. Laugh lines. You look in the mirror and they remind you of all the good times you had. But they also remind you of all the time that has gone by. Cosmetic BOTOX® can erase the appearance of those years. It’s one of the easiest, convenient and effective ways to rejuvenate your face.
For centuries, man has searched for the famed Fountain of Youth. Cosmetic BOTOX may very well be the modern day end to that search. At least when it comes to the outward appearance of aging in the form of lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and more.
Some believe it to be the greatest thing ever created for its ability to make you appear younger than your years. Many people follow a strict regimen of timely BOTOX injections to maintain the appearance of youth in perpetuity while others get touch-ups before special occasions, such as class reunions, holidays, important events, or family photographs.
Either way, people of all ages are getting BOTOX in record numbers. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), over seven million BOTOX treatment procedures were performed in 2016 alone, and more than 125,000 of them were on adults below the age of 29.
What is BOTOX?
BOTOX is an injectable toxin that blocks nerve activities in the muscles around the injection site. It is derived from the bacteria that causes botulism. BOTOX is a brand name of the toxin generated by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
BOTOX is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments not involving surgery today. After all, it’s administered more than six million times per year. Obviously, many men and women find the benefits well worth the risk.
And, while some would consider the benefits on lines and wrinkles nearly miraculous, it is not without its risks. You should consult with your physician before choosing this injection about the risks, so you can make an informed decision. Only trust reputable physicians to handle your care while using BOTOX.
Most importantly, BOTOX Cosmetic should only be injected by a qualified and experienced physician, like our own Dr. Bradford S. Patt, MD FACS here at the Houston Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, in the prescribed amounts.
When using BOTOX to treat lines and wrinkles, make sure to consult with your physician prior to treatment to determine how cosmetic BOTOX will improve the appearance of the fine lines and wrinkles you’re most concerned with.
How does BOTOX work to remove wrinkles?
Essentially, BOTOX used for cosmetic purposes works by paralyzing the muscles in and around the injection sites temporarily. It blocks the signals sent from the nerves to the muscles. This means the injected muscle isn’t able to contract. The result is that your wrinkles relax and soften.
The amount used to treat wrinkles and other conditions is extremely small to help prevent poisoning from the toxins while creating the desired cosmetic effect. It may take two to three, and in rare cases up to five days, after treatment before you begin to see notable results in the mirror.
Indications and Reasons for Cosmetic BOTOX
The cosmetic use of BOTOX is to used to reduce the number of wrinkles and lines you have on your face and neck. There are many dermal fillers and other products on the market that offer some of the benefits BOTOX promises, but few do so as effectively as BOTOX. This is why so many people continue to turn to BOTOX for cosmetic purposes.
Cosmetic BOTOX Uses
These are a few ways BOTOX is commonly used for aesthetic purposes:
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Correct gummy smiles
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Diminish the prominence of neck bands
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Eliminate or reduce the appearance of dimpling in the chin
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Lift your smile at the corners of your mouth
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Reduce visibility of crow’s feet, frown lines, lip lines, forehead creases, etc.
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Soften square jawlines
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Lift the appearance of your eyebrows giving your eyes a refreshed look
BOTOX Cosmetic is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of both crow's feet lines, moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows and glabellar lines temporarily in adults.
Many of the uses listed above, aside from treating frown lines and crow’s feet are considered “off-label” uses for BOTOX. That doesn’t mean they are any less effective or powerful tools to have in your beauty arsenal.
BOTOX Cosmetic isn’t just for women. The number of men choosing to use BOTOX Cosmetic has been increasing rapidly, especially within the last three years where more than one million BOTOX treatments have been given to men.
Other Reasons and Indications for BOTOX
This article focuses on the cosmetic uses of BOTOX, its applications, and benefits. But you may also be interested to learn that it can be used to treat other medically-approved conditions as well. Some conditions where patients are finding relief to their symptoms through BOTOX include:
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Overactive bladders caused by nerve disorders
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Migraine headaches
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Severe underarm sweating
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Cervical dystonia
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Uncontrolled blinking or eyelid spasms
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Bell’s palsy with or without synkinesis
Different conditions indicate different dosages of BOTOX. Working with a qualified physician in the specific field you’re treating greatly increases the likelihood that you’ll receive the appropriate dosage for your condition.
One thing you should note is that all treatments, cosmetic and non-cosmetic alike, with BOTOX are temporary and you'll need to repeat them within a few months’ time. Usually, these treatments will be spaced three to six months apart. However, over time in getting BOTOX injections regularly, your lines and wrinkles will likely appear less severe because your muscles are being trained to relax.
BOTOX Cosmetic Risks and Potential Side Effects
You may experience temporary bruising or slight pain around the injection site. Allergic reactions may include a rash, itching, rash, dizziness, wheezing, asthma symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about other side effects.
Pay attention to aftercare instructions, specifically those about not rubbing the treated area for at least 12 hours after the injection and lying down for at least one hour after the injections. Doing these things will reduce the potential for certain side effects, like eyelid drooping, or risks associated with using cosmetic BOTOX.
You should space BOTOX injections a minimum of three months apart and should always follow your doctor’s instructions concerning aftercare for your injections and any follow-up appointments or treatments that may be required.
One factor some people are concerned with, an unnatural or overdone appearance after treatment, can be virtually eliminated by working with medically trained professionals who are licensed and experienced in administering BOTOX treatments. When performed by a medical expert in facial anatomy, like Dr. Patt, you’ll look like yourself — only with less noticeable lines and wrinkles.
Finding the right medical professional to handle your BOTOX treatments is a huge weight off your mind and allows you to enjoy the experience and anticipate the amazing results.
Be sure to heed the precautions, warnings, interaction concerns, and aftercare instructions provided by your physician.
Defy the Calendar Today by Getting Treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic in Houston, Texas
Now is the time to turn the back the clock and the calendar with Cosmetic BOTOX as an ideal solution. Talk to Dr. Patt at the Houston Center for Facial Plastic Surgery today about the potential benefits BOTOX represents for you and how it can help you make all your friends wonder what you’re up to that’s melting the years away right before their eyes.
To schedule your BOTOX Cosmetic consultation with Dr. Patt, call (281) 649-7170, or complete the online request below, and our professional staff will be happy to assist you!
