What Are the Benefits and Risks of Botox?

For those who want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and enjoy younger-looking skin, Botox may be an ideal solution. Dynamic wrinkles are a source of frustration for many aging Americans, but this treatment offered at Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics in Fulton, MD can help soften the appearance and give a glowing, youthful look.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Botox?

This treatment boasts several benefits. Not only does it give patients smooth, younger-looking skin, but it does so without the need for knives, anesthetic, or a recovery period. Patients appreciate that they can see results very quickly after treatment. For some, their skin starts to soften in as little as 48 hours. Treatment only takes a few minutes, and the results last for months.

There are very few risks associated with this treatment. Approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 1989, it’s widely recognized as safe and effective, with millions of satisfied users undergoing treatment every year. Many of the common concerns surrounding treatment are, in fact, myths. For example, some people worry that treatment can give them a “frozen” appearance. The reality is this product is highly targeted, so it only works on very specific areas of the face, paralyzing those muscles but leaving the surrounding muscles untouched.

What Are “Dynamic Wrinkles?”

These are the wrinkles caused by repeated movements of the facial muscles, which, over time, can lead to permanent lines being etched into the skin. This is in contrast to “static wrinkles”, which are caused by the loss of collagen and sagging of the skin that accompany aging. Some of the most common dynamic wrinkles include smile lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and bunny ears.

How Exactly Does Treatment Work?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles it is injected into. This paralysis is caused by the toxin’s ability to block communication from the nerve endings. When this happens, the muscles can no longer contract. This makes the skin on top of them smooth out. Patients can then emote and move their faces as much as they please, knowing their skin isn’t creasing or wrinkling.

How Should One Prepare for Treatment?

Choose an Experienced Provider

It’s important to choose an experienced provider who has a good track record. Here at Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, our expert staff has spent years honing their craft. We pride ourselves on our relentless attention to quality and care, advanced technology, and evidence-based medicine. All our treatments are customized to the individual patient, meaning each patient will get a tailored experience that addresses their cosmetic concerns.

Make the Most of the Initial Consultation

A consultation will be the practitioner’s chance to go through the patient’s medical history, look over any medications they may be taking, and ensure they’re a healthy candidate for this treatment. They will also examine areas of concern and design a treatment plan to remedy them. Importantly, this is the patient’s opportunity to ask any questions, raise any concerns, or discuss expectations. The best practitioners want all their patients to feel comfortable and confident throughout this process, and so recognize that communication is key.

Prepare the Skin

To minimize any risk of this treatment irritating one’s skin or leaving bruises, there are some simple steps a candidate can take. They should avoid taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications for two weeks before their treatment, as they can increase bruising and swelling. They should also try to limit sun exposure before their appointment, as this can increase their skin’s sensitivity. On the day of treatment, the patient will be asked to come in with a clean, makeup-free face.

What Happens During An Appointment?

The practitioner will first apply a topical numbing cream so the patient doesn’t experience any discomfort. A small needle is used to inject the product into the muscles, where it works to relax the muscles and reduce wrinkles. It generally takes no longer than fifteen minutes, then patients are free to leave. Results are not immediate; patients generally notice changes after a few days, with optimal results developing after around ten days.

How Long Is the Recovery Period?

There’s no recovery period needed after this treatment. Patients can carry on with their day after, even driving themselves to the appointment since no anesthetic is used. This makes treatment the optimal choice for those who can’t afford to take time off work to recover from surgery. You should avoid certain things, like direct sun exposure, facial massages, or high temperatures, in the first 48 hours following treatment, as the skin will have an increased level of sensitivity.

Can This Treatment Be Repeated?

The results of this treatment last for between three and four months following an appointment. After this time, patients will notice dynamic wrinkles return. When this happens, they can simply come back for a touch-up session. Practitioners can give them the exact treatment again or can update the treatment plan to reflect new changes or concerns. The possibility of introducing new aesthetic treatments into their routine can also be discussed.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Treatment?

As people age wrinkles become more prevalent, meaning many Botox clients are in their 40s and 50s. That being said, dynamic wrinkles can develop in younger people depending on how active their facial muscles are, so there’s no one perfect age to seek out this treatment as long as a person is over 18. Some medical conditions, as well as pregnancy and breastfeeding, may render a person ineligible for treatment.

Those struggling with wrinkles that have developed due to a loss of collagen, rather than from overactive facial movements, may be interested in alternative treatments such as dermal fillers. Dermal fillers work to replenish the skin with new volume and structure, which fills out static wrinkles rather than targeting the nerves under the skin’s surface. During an initial consultation, the practitioner can determine what kind of cosmetic treatment will best remedy a patient’s concerns.

This minimally invasive procedure can wind back the clock on aging, tired-looking skin, and help a person feel more confident. In just a few minutes, experienced providers can administer a few simple injections that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is this effectiveness and convenience that has made Botox the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment in the USA for more than twenty years.



Book an Appointment

Book an appointment at our Fulton office.
Location & Hours