Published:
March 17, 2021
Crow's feet. Forehead lines. Frown lines. Are you considering Botox to temporarily reduce these signs of aging to look and feel your best? Here is what you need to know.
What is Botox?
Botox is a powerful, minimally invasive tool that can reduce facial wrinkles with little discomfort. It is a brand name of a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and is the first injectable botulinum toxin.
Although Botox can treat a variety of conditions including chronic migraine and overactive bladder, you have likely heard about Botox injections to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and facial creases.
Approved by the FDA to treat facial wrinkles in 2002, Botox has been used for cosmetic purposes since the 1990s. It is the most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the United States, performed almost 8 million times in 2019.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles which cause the wrinkles. The repeated contracting of facial muscles over the years as you frown, squint, smile or raise your eyebrows causes these facial lines. The most common areas treated include the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. Other areas can be treated as well. You and your provider can discuss your goals to determine the treatment that is best for you.
The Botox Procedure
Botox injection is minimally invasive procedure performed in a clinician’s office. Using a very small needle, a licensed provider administers several injections into the areas where you would like your wrinkles reduced.
You will feel minimal discomfort and the actual injection process usually takes just a couple of minutes. There is no downtime and you don’t have to do anything special after the procedure.
Results and Possible Side Effects
You will see the final results of the Botox in several days. Know that results are temporary, usually lasting three to four months before needing another treatment. It has been shown that the time in between injections can increase with multiple treatments. Your provider will offer guidance on the best treatment schedule for you.
The risks of Botox injections are minimal. You could experience bruising at the injection site, headache, or eyelid drooping.