As you age, you may become concerned about changes to your appearance. If you are like many people, you may develop lines and wrinkles around your eyes and mouth as you grow older. These lines can make you look tired and worn, even if you still feel great. One way to correct the look of crow's feet and other facial lines is through Botox injections. Here is a bit of information about the treatment and how it works:
What is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into the muscles of the face to relax lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Many wrinkles are due to the way that the muscles beneath the skin contract. Each contraction can cause the skin to wrinkle or crease. Once Botox is injected, brow lines and crow's feet relax and appear less noticeable.
To lessen crow's feet, Botox is injected into the area around the eyes where the wrinkles form. Frown lines are treated in a similar manner. The medication is injected into the muscles of your forehead that frame your brow.
Is Botox a completely synthetic product?
Although components of Botox may include some synthetic or man-made substances, the main active ingredient of Botox is a botulinum toxin. The toxin is produced naturally by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.
How soon are the results of a Botox application visible?
You should notice fewer wrinkles around your injection sites within a day or two following your treatment.
How often do you need to have Botox injections to maintain your appearance?
Each treatment lasts several months, so injections are only needed a few times per year.
Is general anesthesia needed for the treatment?
Botox injections are typically performed in an outpatient environment and do not require general anesthesia. Instead, your provider may numb the injection sites before administering the Botox by applying a topical numbing medication or rubbing ice on the area.
Will you still be able to form normal facial expressions after a Botox injection?
After a Botox injection, you should still be able to frown, smile or perform other facial expressions normally. However, if the treatment is applied by a person who is not trained or certified to use Botox, your results may vary. Thus, it is important to only have the treatment injected by a licensed professional.
To learn more about Botox and how it can positively affect your appearance, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in your local area.
