Before facial wrinkles set and become permanent, they begin as fine lines on the face and often form in a person’s mid-thirties. When the muscles under the skin contract, they cause these dynamic fine lines to form, and over time, they develop into deeper static wrinkles and folds.

That’s where Botox can help. Botox is a highly purified injectable medication. Approved by the FDA for cosmetic use, it is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States.

Whether you want to reduce or erase the horizontal lines on your forehead or the vertical frown lines, the crow’s feet around your eyes or your laugh lines, Botox is the ideal solution. It can also help lift the corners of your mouth that tend to sag, iron out wrinkly chins, thin the lower face, minimize smoker’s lines around the mouth, and even soften vertical neck bands.

How Does It Work?

A wrinkle is usually formed perpendicular to the contracting muscle underneath. For instance, the forehead muscle is vertical and when it contracts, the lines it forms are horizontal. Similarly, the muscles responsible for frown lines are positioned horizontally between the two eyebrows. Thus, the frown lines look vertical when they contract.

Botox injections work by paralyzing or weakening certain facial muscles through blocking the nerve signals. This reduces the muscle activity that causes the frown lines and gives your face a smoother look. Without the muscle contraction, the skin is allowed to lie flat.

Is It Painful?

The injections that are used for Botox are small, so any discomfort is minimal. Dr. Chow will often numb the area with a topical anesthetic cream and then use an ice pack before administering the injection. You might feel slight discomfort once the anesthetic wears off, which is usually in an hour or two after the treatment.

Preparation and Post-Treatment Care

Before you have the injection, tell your facial plastic surgeon about any health problems you might have. Make sure to let the facial plastic surgeon know about any medications you are on, including vitamins and herbal supplements, as some of the combinations could have serious side effects. Muscle relaxants, injected antibiotics, cold or allergy medicines, and sleep medicines all pose contraindications.

Follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions carefully. If you have any side effects that do not go away, report them to your plastic surgeon.

The effects of your Botox injections will last for up to four months depending on the areas of the face you want to treat. Once the effects wear off, you can go in for another session.

Learn More About Botox

Make sure that you select an experienced practitioner for your Botox treatments, as it takes considerable skill and precision to inject it in the exact right area.

Dr. Jen Chow is double-board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as head and neck surgery. When you come into our office for Botox injections, you can be assured that you’re in good hands. To schedule your appointment, contact us today.