How Botox® Works: The Complete Guide
What Is Botox®?
Botox® is considered a “neuromodulator” That is a substance that is injected into your body to slow down or stop communication between the nerves and muscles. In our practice this is used for cosmetic purposes to weaken the muscles that cause wrinkles or to weaken muscles and get a slimming effect (especially in the jaw muscles for people who grind their teeth). There are also many functional and medical uses. Botox comes in a vial with freeze dried product that is made in a unique manufacturing process. Interestingly enough, the vials are stored at -5 degrees fahrenheit then reconstituted with saline for use in the injections..
The One And Only
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®) has a proprietary manufacturing process and there is no generic version. The injections are not permanent and discontinuing the treatments will eventually result in return of your normal lines and face.
Why Get it?
People have a variety of reasons to get Botox but for cosmetic reasons, it helps you start to feel more youthful. If you have facial lines, collagen reduction, sun damage, and cellular changes over time, you may want to try botox to look younger.
Where Can Botox® Be Injected?
- Forehead Lines
- Frown Lines (between the brows)
- Crow’s Feet
- Bunny Lines – outer nasal area
- Peri-oral
- Smoker’s Lines
- Lip flip (results in increased lip show without filler)
- Chin
- Vertical Platysma Bands: (NeckMuscle)
- Eyebrows
- Jaw muscle for slimming of an overly large or square jaw
- Hyper-hydrosis (excessive sweating)
- Armpits: Axillary
- Hands
- Feet
A Typical Botox® Experience Includes:
Step 1: Consultation
Step 2: Appointment To Inject Solution
Step 3: Observe results
Step 4: Evaluate and fine tune results after 10-14 days
Step 5: Repeat every 3-4 months
Dr. Green will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity.
You will begin to notice a visible smoothing of the frown lines between your brows, your crow’s feet lines and your forehead lines in 3-5 days with final results in 7-14 days.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works by interrupting a connection between your facial nerves and the muscles in your face. Botox blocks release of acetylcholine and therefore muscle does not receive this message and does not contract. This will reduce muscle strength and therefore reduce wrinkles.
Your muscle contractions like frowning, squinting, or moving your eyebrows result in facial lines. Botox is injected just below the surface of the skin to reduce muscle activity on a temporary basis. You will be visibly smoother and have a younger appearance. Botox is very safe and has many years of documented safety. The pro and con of Botox is that it wears off after about 3 months. So if there is an unintended result, you can be sure it will go away. .
How Do The Injections Feel?
It is common for many patients to experience minor pain or no pain at all. Some patients say the injections feel like a small pinch. There’s no downtime necessary although you should avoid strenuous activity. You will start to see results within 3-5 days and full results in about 7 days.
For Lakeview Botox in Chicago, contact Dr. Green at MGMD Aesthetics and schedule a free consultation today.