What Is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is an injectable cosmetic treatment derived from a bacterium that produces a botulinum neurotoxin that blocks chemical signals that cause your muscles to contract. By blocking the signals, BOTOX® weakens muscles in the treatment area, softening the appearance of existing wrinkles and preventing the formation of new ones. Your doctor will determine the specific amount of BOTOX® necessary to help you achieve your desired results. The effects of BOTOX® last, on average, between 3 and 6 months for most patients.

How To Ensure Optimal Results After BOTOX® Treatment

After BOTOX® Dos

Do Rest And Relax: Although it is fine to return to work and most regular activities immediately following your BOTOX® treatment, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least 24 hours after. Physical activity will increase blood flow and could disperse the BOTOX® more quickly, reducing its effectiveness. It can also increase the risk of bruising.

Do Exercise Your Face: Even though strenuous exercise should be avoided, gentle facial exercises can promote the benefits of BOTOX®. Frowning, smiling, and raising your eyebrows can help hasten the beneficial effects.

Do Sit Up: Remain in an upright position for at least four hours after treatment and consider sleeping with your head elevated the first night. This will help prevent the BOTOX® from dispersing too early.

Do Keep A Fresh Face: If you can, go makeup free for 24 hours after treatment. Touching, rubbing, and putting pressure on the treatment area is not recommended and applying makeup may cause the BOTOX® to disperse before it has fully taken effect.

Do Use Approved Products: You can prolong the effects of your BOTOX® treatment by selecting the right skin care products. Ask your dermatologist or surgeon for their recommendations for collagen-boosting, antioxidant, hydrating, and anti-aging products that will work together with your BOTOX® treatments to maximize anti-aging effects.

After BOTOX® Don’ts 

Don’t Smoke Or Drink: Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24-48 hours before AND after treatment. Alcohol use increases the risk of bruising and bleeding. Tobacco use damages your skin cells and will reduce the effectiveness of your BOTOX® treatment.

Don’t Book Other Treatments: Although BOTOX® treatments are often combined with injectable tissue fillers to achieve the most effective anti-aging results possible, you should avoid certain cosmetic treatments such as facials, facial massages, and exfoliating scrubs for 24-48 hours to avoid rubbing and pressure that could reduce the effectiveness of your BOTOX®.

Don’t Worship The Sun: Avoid sun exposure for at least four hours, but ideally for 24-48 hours after treatment. After 48 hours, use a sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays every day. Avoid other forms of heat exposure such as hot tubs, saunas, and hot showers or baths for 48 hours after treatment, too.

BOTOX® isn’t just for wrinkles.
For approved, alternative uses of BOTOX® read 6 Alternative Yet Effective Uses for BOTOX®.

Transformative BOTOX® Results At Alberta Plastic Surgery

BOTOX® is a safe and effective treatment to address the visible signs of aging and to slow the formation of new wrinkles and fine lines. Fast and easy, in-office treatments can produce noticeable results within a few days, but special care can maximize the effects of BOTOX® and keep you looking younger, longer. If you wish to know more about BOTOX® as an anti-aging treatment, read 5 Common Myths About BOTOX® and book a complimentary consultation at Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton. Our team can guide you in exploring your options for all surgical and non-surgical anti-aging treatments. 

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 (780) 407-6691 or fill out the form below.

FAQ

Q: How much BOTOX® will I need?
A: The amount of BOTOX® required for effective and optimal results is different for everyone. Some factors that will influence the correct BOTOX® dosage for you include: metabolism, scope of wrinkling, gender, size of treatment area, muscle strength, and your goals for treatment. At your complimentary consultation, your plastic surgeon will ask you about your desired outcomes and use these factors to determine the ideal dosage for you.

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 young is too young for BOTOX®?
A: BOTOX® is approved for cosmetic treatment for patients over the age of 18. But that doesn’t mean that everyone over 18 should seek BOTOX® treatment. If you are interested in preventative BOTOX®, book a consultation with Dr. Ladak to discuss your anti-aging goals, to determine if preventative BOTOX® is the right choice for you, and what schedule of treatment will yield the results you want.