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We’re getting straight to the point with BOTOX® Cosmetic this month: BOTOX® is the first and only treatment FDA approved to temporarily reduce the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults. This non-surgical treatment is often used as proactive and reactive measures against aging. Additionally, it can be used to reduce excessive sweating and help manage migraines. There’s much more you should know about BOTOX®, and we’re breaking it down:
What is BOTOX®?
Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used in a purified and controlled form, arriving in a powder and then mixed with saline prior to injection. Botox is a drug and should be administered by a trained professional to ensure appropriate and safe dosages.
Only BOTOX® Cosmetic is backed by more than 16 years of published studies. It uses a unique manufacturing process, and its potency is measured in units that cannot be compared to any other product. This is why there is no such thing as “generic” BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Common Uses
The most common use for BOTOX® is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows cause skin to furrow and fold, gradually resulting in the formation of facial lines. BOTOX® works beneath the surface and temporarily reduces the underlying muscle activity. When this happens, the overlying skin smooths out and facial lines become less noticeable.
BOTOX® does more than just treat wrinkles. By relaxing other muscles in the body, doctors have found these injections to be helpful for treating several other medical conditions, including excess sweating, migraines, muscle spasms, and overactive bladder.
Treatment Procedure
BOTOX® treatments are quick and convenient. After an initial consultation to assess your face and personal goals, a trained professional will perform the treatment. The process involves injecting BOTOX® into specific muscles with a fine needle. The number of injections and the amount of BOTOX® used depends on the area being treated and the desired results. Treatment requires minimal downtime, so you can return to your daily routine immediately after your appointment.
Treatment Aftercare
Results may be noticeable within 24 to 48 hours of a BOTOX® treatment for moderate to severe frown lines. It can take up to two weeks post-injection for results to fully set in, but they typically last for 3-4 months. BOTOX® delivers predictable, subtle results, so you look like you, only with less noticeable facial lines.
Needles may leave bruising or redness that fades with time. Avoid taking aspirin, fish oil, ibuprofen, ginseng or vitamin E for three days to a week prior to your appointment, to discourage bleeding, which can cause bruises. Refrain also from working out until the next day so you don’t lose toxin in your sweat. Lastly, it is recommended to avoid lying down in the 4-6 hours after your appointment, as BOTOX® might shift from targeted areas.
It’s important to keep in mind that BOTOX® is not a permanent treatment. If you discontinue treatment the moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines will gradually return. Many people choose to have regular maintenance treatments to sustain the results.
The benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic are numerous. However, it’s very important to receive BOTOX® treatments from a trained professional. The providers at The Aesthetic Center by Medical Associates are knowledgeable about the appropriate dosage and know where to inject the BOTOX® to alleviate facial lines, while still preserving your ability to make facial expressions. Communicate your areas of concern and goals with us at your consultation – we can devise a treatment plan to best fit your needs and budget. Contact The Aesthetic Center today at 563-584-3444!
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