Your face is usually the first part of your body to show any visible signs of aging. Whether it’s because of the wrinkles, fine lines or sagging, your skin may not look as youthful as it used to.
While plastic surgery procedures such as facelifts and eyelid surgery are an effective way of enhancing your appearance, revolutionary new treatments mean that it’s no longer necessary to go under the knife to reverse the signs of aging.
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox and tissue fillers are appealing because they require little downtime, present very low risk of complication, and can give you the aesthetic results you want.
What is Botox?
Botox is made from a purified neurotoxin, botulinum which, when injected into the treatment area, temporarily relaxes facial muscles and eliminates any unwanted wrinkles.
It can be used to:
- Eliminate frown lines
- Smooth out forehead wrinkles
- Minimize crow’s feet
- Eliminate lip lines
- Lift drooping eyelids and brow
How does Botox work?
Unlike tissue fillers such as Juvederm, which plump up the skin to eliminate fine lines, botox works by temporarily paralyzing the activity of the facial muscles which cause wrinkles.
When injected, botox blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles so that they can no longer contract, causing wrinkles to soften and relax.
Duration of treatment: While this can vary depending on the size and location of the treatment area, a botox treatment usually takes no longer than 15 minutes.
Number of treatments: Because botox injections don’t produce permanent results, a treatment is required every 12-16 weeks.
Results: You will notice visible results 1-2 weeks after your botox treatment. Common side effects include temporary bruising and a mild headache.What are the benefits of a Botox treatment?
Botox is one of the most sought out skin treatments for patients looking to prevent or reverse the signs of aging in their face. Some of its incredible benefits include:
- Non-invasive, quick procedure
- No recovery time
- Safe and effective
- Natural, long-lasting results
Am I a Candidate For Botox?
The best candidates for this skin treatment are patients who are physically healthy with no history of neuromuscular diseases.
Botox is NOT RECOMMENDED FOR patients who:
- Are under the age of 18 years
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have existing weakness in the targeted muscles
- Have skin disorders around the planned injection site
To best determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, it is best to consult your plastic surgeon.
What can I do to prepare for a Botox treatment?
Although it is a safe and effective anti-aging skin treatment, it is very important to disclose the following information to your plastic surgeon:
- Your medical history
- Any medications you are currently taking
- Whether or not you smoke
Certain medications may cause complications or excessive bruising and you may need to discontinue them several days prior to the treatment to avoid any risks.
Botox Recovery Period
After your botox skin treatment, you will be able to return to work and your normal activities immediately. While you may experience some slight redness, swelling or bruising at the treatment site, these side effects usually resolve very quickly.
RECOVERY TIPS
- Do not touch or massage the treatment area. This may cause the botox to spread to other areas of your face.
- Don’t participate in any strenuous activity for the rest of the day
- If you need to take any painkillers or medication, contact your plastic surgeon first.
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about the costs and benefits of botox and tissue fillers, or to book a consultation, contact Dr. Ladak today at (780) 407-6691.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
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