What Is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is prepared from the botulinum toxin. This is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Used for both cosmetic and medical treatments, BOTOX® blocks chemical signals that tell the muscles to contract. This can stop impaired muscle function in the case of TMJ and lazy eye treatments, and in cosmetic applications it reduces and softens wrinkles and fine lines in the treatment area.
During treatment, your doctor or nurse will target certain areas for injection based on your goals for treatment. BOTOX® is injected into the treatment area using ultra-fine needles and has very few side effects. You may experience slight bruising or redness at the point of injection, but this should resolve within a couple of days. You will notice visible results after about 1-2 weeks and results can last up to 4 months or longer.
The Truth Behind The BOTOX® Myths
Here is the truth about several common misconceptions about BOTOX®.
Myth #1: BOTOX® Makes Your Face Look Frozen
Truth: We have all seen celebrities who seem to be expressionless after BOTOX® treatments. The truth is that the frozen appearance after BOTOX® is most often due to an inexperienced injector who has used far too much. A trained and skillful plastic surgeon or nurse injector will know exactly how many units to use to achieve reduced and softened appearance of wrinkles while maintaining a very natural look.
Myth #2: BOTOX® Treatment Is Painful
Truth: The truth is that everyone experiences pain differently, but the majority of patients who opt for BOTOX® treatments report that they feel very little or no pain. BOTOX® injections make use of a very fine needle, so discomfort should be minimal. For those who are very sensitive to pain or who are fearful of needles, a topical numbing cream can be applied to the treatment site and any slight swelling or pain after treatment can be relieved with ice packs.
Myth #3: BOTOX® Can Treat All Your Wrinkles
Truth: BOTOX® can be used to improve the appearance of all kinds of wrinkles, but sometimes complementary treatments are necessary to achieve your desired results. There are two kinds of wrinkles:
- Dynamic Wrinkles: these are the wrinkles that form in areas with active muscle movement such as those present when you furrow your brow.
- Static Wrinkles: these wrinkles are apparent even when your face is at rest such as lip lines.
Certain static wrinkles can benefit from additional treatments like laser or facial fillers to achieve optimal smoothing.
Myth #4: When You Stop BOTOX® Your Wrinkles Will Be Worse
Truth: If you stop BOTOX® treatments, your muscles will gradually regain movement and over time your wrinkles will reappear. They will not be worse, but you will have become used to not seeing them. Depending on your personal physiology, the effects of BOTOX® will typically last 3-4 months. If you have repeated, consecutive treatments, you will actually avoid the effects of muscle movement and aging during the course of your treatment so your wrinkles and fine lines will actually be less dramatic than if you had not had treatment at all. The bottom line is that after treatment, your face will return to its natural state and no new wrinkles will have formed due to your BOTOX® treatments.
Myth #5: BOTOX® Is Toxic And We Don’t Know Its Long-Term Effects
Truth: The truth is that BOTOX® is derived from a naturally-occurring organism. This derivative has been used for many medical and cosmetic purposes since the 1980s and has been subjected to extensive testing and study. BOTOX® is one of the most researched treatments of its kind. It is approved by Health Canada and is completely safe for cosmetic use. BOTOX® will only affect the muscles in the treatment area and it will not spread throughout your body.
Exceptional BOTOX® Results At Alberta Plastic Surgery
BOTOX® is a completely safe and extremely effective treatment to target fine lines and wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance. A skilled plastic surgeon or nurse injector will be able to customize a treatment strategy to help you achieve your goals for treatment while maintaining a natural look.
If you are considering BOTOX®, facial fillers, or other anti-aging procedures to help you look and feel your best, the team at Alberta Plastic Surgery can guide you in exploring your options for surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Book your complimentary consultation today.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at 1-780-407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: Does BOTOX® hurt?
A: BOTOX® injections do not normally hurt, but some patients are uncomfortable with needles so a topical numbing lotion can be applied prior to treatment.
Q: How long does BOTOX® last?
A: Everyone is different. But in general, you can expect to enjoy the benefits of BOTOX® for 3-6 months.
Q: Is BOTOX® safe?
A: BOTOX® is approved by Health Canada and when administered by a skilled and qualified health care professional according to approved guidelines, is completely safe.
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