Men and women alike have been improving their appearance for the last twenty years thanks to what’s now a not-so-secret beauty treatment. Botox is more than a household name; for many people, it has become a way of life. At Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, MD, we are proud to offer this effective neurotoxin that will help you reduce the appearance of your wrinkles, enhance and improve your features, and increase your confidence in your appearance.

Botox: The Original Neurotoxin

Thanks to this powerful, effective cosmetic injectable, you now have a choice between living as a slave to your wrinkles or finding freedom from them with just one simple treatment. This neurotoxin provides countless solutions to different cosmetic concerns and will give you natural-looking results that make you look like the best version of yourself.

What Exactly Is Botox?

Botox falls into the category of neurotoxins, which are substances that interfere with the communication between the brain and the muscles. This injectable temporarily relaxes these muscles by blocking the messages sent to them by the nerve signals. The muscles stop receiving messages telling them to contract, and can finally rest.

What Makes Neurotoxins Work?

Neurotoxins are so effective because they block communication between neurotransmitters and the muscles, which keeps the muscles from making dynamic movements. Dynamic movements lead to dynamic wrinkles, which eventually cause you to seek out this treatment for temporary, yet long-lasting relief. This treatment only uses the purest form of botulinum toxin, so you don’t need to live in the fear of injecting Botox into your body. It’s safe, FDA-approved, studied, effective, and has been proven to deliver results.

What Does It Treat?

This injectable is FDA-approved to relax wrinkles that form on the forehead, the outer corners of the eyes known as crow’s feet, and the glabellar lines that form, also known as frown lines. One of the more recent advancements is its ability to flip the upper lip, creating a fuller-looking mouth by relaxing the mouth muscles. Patients also love it for its ability to:

• Correct a gummy smile
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles all over the face
• Improve the appearance of their frown lines
• Soften features by addressing the chin and jawline
• Add fullness to the lips
• Smooth out “bunny lines” that form on the nose
• Improve the appearance of the neck and chest
• Reduce the appearance of jowls that form with the aging process

Aside from its cosmetic uses and its role as a form of anti-aging medicine, Botox is just as effective in the medical world. It is used to treat everything from muscular disorders in adults and children, hyperhidrosis, which is a condition that causes excessive sweating, migraines, and TMJ pain, among other conditions.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

Your results will appear gradually, usually within two to three days of your initial treatment. It takes time for the ingredients in this injectable to affect your muscles, but once they do, you’ll notice a visible improvement in the appearance of your lines and wrinkles. Your results will continue to improve during the weeks following your treatment as your skin can rest and the ingredients take full effect.

How Long Do Results Last?

Most people enjoy wrinkle-free skin for three to six months total. Your body will eventually metabolize the ingredients and once that happens, the smoothing effects will slowly wear off. You’ll see a gradual return of your wrinkles, and you’ll begin to feel your muscles contracting again. Once that happens, you’ll know it’s time for a follow-up treatment so that you can maintain the most consistent results.

How Do I Prepare for My Treatment?

To get the best results, there are some steps you can take to ensure you’re adequately prepared for your treatment. Before your appointment be sure to:

• Consume something light
• Temporarily stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements
• Temporarily stop using topical Retinol products
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before treatment

If before your appointment you notice a blemish, cold sore, or rash in your pre-planned treatment area, reschedule your appointment once these skin conditions resolve themselves so that you can get the best results.

What Happens During Treatment?

Before your treatment begins, you’ll undergo a consultation during which we’ll analyze your problem areas. We will also review your health history and we may even perform an allergy test to confirm that you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. If you are a candidate for treatment, we will then create a customized treatment plan that will meet all of your aesthetic goals. We’ll tell you how many units we plan on using so that you know exactly what to expect the day of. On the day of your actual treatment, your injector will clean your skin to prepare it for the injections and will then administer small injections directly into the muscles in your treatment areas with a very thin needle. If necessary, we can apply a topical numbing cream to your skin so that you remain comfortable during the appointment. This appointment will only take 10 to 20 minutes total. Once your treatment is complete, you can resume all of your normal activities.

Are There Any Aftercare Instructions?

Once your treatment is over you will be on your way to beautiful, wrinkle-free skin. We will give you a list of instructions on how to care for your skin during the days following your treatment. Some of our instructions may include the following:

• Avoid scrubbing, massaging, or touching your treatment area
• Avoid laying flat on your back for at least four hours post-treatment
• Avoid excess heat, strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms
• Avoid extreme workouts or strenuous exercise
• Avoid excessive sun exposure or sunlight

Beginning a New Anti-Aging Routine

Adding Botox to your anti-aging routine can take your skincare to the next level. When combined with amazing products, anti-aging topicals, and regular treatments, you can get beautiful skin that glows, looks healthy and has everyone wondering what your secret is. Botox isn’t a substitute for a good skincare routine, but it’s a way to make all of the work you put into your skin day in and day out finally pay off. Dr. Rodney has extensive experience in all aspects of cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology for all skin types. The entire team at Eternal Dermatology is committed to providing the very best experience possible in a patient-friendly and professional environment. Visit this dermatologist in Baltimore and DMV area today. Schedule your consultation today!