Botox
Wrinkles, lines or creases can make us look older than we feel. These tell-tale signs of aging form over time as a result of repeated facial expressions or muscle movements. As adults age, the skin naturally starts to dry out and become thinner. This loss of collagen and elasticity causes wrinkles and lines to appear more pronounced. In order to prevent wrinkles or to reverse noticeable signs of aging, patients may be interested in an injectable known as BOTOX® Cosmetic. Dr. Stella offers Botox treatments in New Jersey to minimize the appearance of superficial lines and wrinkles.
What Is Botox?
Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is a cosmetic treatment that relaxes and temporarily prevents muscle movement at the injection site. It’s able to paralyze certain muscles in the face by blocking nerve signals, ensuring that they’re no longer able to contract. This gives the wrinkles or lines a chance to soften. In addition, it will also keep new wrinkles from forming. Botox can treat frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet around the eyes, forehead wrinkles or marionette lines around the mouth. Botox can also be used to shape or raise the eyebrows and lift the corners of the mouth. The effects of Botox are not permanent and will gradually wear off. Therefore, repeat treatments will be needed for maintenance.
How Does Botox Work?
Before getting Botox, there are a few things patients should do in order to achieve optimal results. Prior to your appointment, it’s important to avoid consuming alcohol for 24 hours. Aspirin or other NSAID pain relievers should also be avoided to limit the amount of bruising or bleeding during treatment. On the day of your appointment, small doses of Botox will be injected into the facial muscles identified by your doctor. The patient will first receive a topical numbing agent to alleviate any potential discomfort. Then, the botulinum toxin will be diluted with saline and loaded into a small needle. Your doctor will then begin administering injections into the muscle where wrinkles and lines are present. Patients may notice a slight stinging or burning sensation along with minor pressure. A Botox session takes as quick as 10 minutes to complete.
What Is the Recovery
for Botox?
Recovery after Botox is relatively simple. Immediately following treatment, your doctor may give you ice to apply to the injection sites. Redness, swelling and tenderness at the injections sites are normal and should lessen over two to three days. Minor bruising is also to be expected and patients are allowed to take Tylenol to minimize discomfort. Daily activities can be resumed right away and no time off of work is necessary. It’s advised to wait one day before exercising or applying makeup to the face. Patients should also avoid laying down for four hours post-procedure. The effects of Botox are not permanent and will lessen over three to six months. Patients who wish to maintain their desired appearance should repeat Botox treatments every three to four months.
Who Is a Good
Candidate for Botox?
Individuals who wish to reduce the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and lines are good candidates for Botox. It’s important to note that these should be a result of aging or exaggerated facial expressions and because of sun exposure. Patients interested in Botox should not smoke, be in good physical health and have realistic expectations regarding the outcome. If you are on blood thinners, have any type of muscle or nerve-related condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, then you are not considered to be a good candidate for Botox.
Botox Treatments Coming Soon
