When talking about non-invasive cosmetic treatments, Botox injections are usually the best known of all. Botox is the absolute most popular cosmetic procedure performed every day in the US. And while most of you have probably heard something about Botox, read some of its do’s and don’ts, and even seen a pic or two from a celeb who abused it, we’ve decided to craft a little Botox guide and give you some more info about it. For this, we also asked Dr. Juan Fuentes, a world-class plastic surgeon, and Botox expert to tell us, first-hand some important things you should know before scheduling your first Botox treatment.

Without further ado, let’s talk Botox!

What is Botox?

Botox is actually the brand name for a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a form of bacteria, called botulinum toxin. It’s essentially a poison. You might be as shocked as we were the first time we heard Botox was a poison. After all, who wants poison injections? But  Botox is amazingly safe – if done right. The many uses of Botox make it one of the best treatments available for many conditions that extend beyond cosmetic uses.

Botulinum toxin is used around the world to treat things as migraines, eyelid spasms, excessive sweating and salivation, and of course, in the world of cosmetic treatments, signs of aging.

Why is Botox used for cosmetic purposes?

When used correctly and administered by a licensed professional, Botox is incredibly effective to combat wrinkles and fine lines in different areas of the face. And Botox being #1 in the world of cosmetic medicine is not a coincidence. Botox is widely used to get reliable and positive cosmetic results due to its flexibility, safety, and effectiveness.

Although its uses have become practically endless, Dr. Fuentes assures us that, “The most common use of Botox is to decrease crow’s feet, frown lines and horizontal wrinkles on the forehead.” We should add that in these areas of the face is where Botox is most effective as well.

The pros botulinum toxin offers:

–Proven safety record. We all now Botox is not a novelty. Its uses are still amazing us though, and thanks to its popularity, doctors and patients alike can know what to expect in the middle and long term as far as side effects go. Also, when getting Botox administered by a licensed professional, you’re choosing a safe way to minimize wrinkles with little risk of any side effects.

-Convenient. Getting Botox can be done in as little as 15 minutes. With no downtime or anesthesia, you can get your Botox fix and go back to your regular routine.

-Affordable. Your wallet might not be ready commit to plastic surgery, or you might still be saving for it, then Botox will be your best choice. And with prices as unbelievably affordable as $9 dollars per unit – getting Botox is a cost-effective way to disappear your crow’s feet or the wrinkles that are slowly claiming residence in your forehead.

-Effective. Why is Botox used for cosmetic purposes you ask? Because it simply works. When keeping up with regular treatments and touch-ups, it is safe to say that a naturally youthful look is guaranteed for a long time.

Does Botox remove wrinkles? How does it work?

If you’re ready to book your first appointment, wait. Dr. Fuentes thinks it’s best for first-timers to really understand how Botox or any of the other brands of botulinum toxin available, actually do their magic.

To answer the first question – no, Botox does not remove wrinkles. As Dr. Fuentes explained, “Botox does not actually remove wrinkles. It relaxes the facial expression muscles, smoothing out the area, decreasing the depth and number of wrinkles visible.” Once the effect has passed, the muscles will regain strength and movement, which will cause the wrinkles to return.

We recommend discussing the frequency of touch-ups you’ll need with your doctor to ensure long-lasting results.

How long does Botox last?

Dr. Fuentes confirmed that Botox usually lasts 3 to 4 months. “Depending on the patient and the area treated, in some cases, it can last up to 6 months,” he explained.

The fact that Botox is not permanent is what makes it so great too. It’s easy to adjust anything you don’t like in your next session, just talk to your doctor about it.

What can I expect the first time I get Botox?

During your appointment, your doctor might rub the area to be treated with a light anesthetic cream. Once the area is numb, your doctor will proceed to inject Botox into specific facial muscles. He or she will ask you to make certain gestures, depending on the areas you want to treat, to identify which muscles need more or less attention.

The procedure only takes a few minutes, and you can go back to doing things as usual afterward.

Botox takes some time to kick in, so expect to notice an improvement in your wrinkly areas around 3 to 7 days after the injections.

What else should I know before getting Botox?

The most important thing to ensure that your experience with Botox is safe and positive is knowing how important it is to choose the right provider. Dr. Fuentes recommends sticking with plastic surgeons and dermatologists specifically trained to administer Botox. While there are cosmetologists and even make-up artists that offer Botox, Dr. Fuentes reminded us that, “A plastic surgeon or a dermatologist will have a much wider training and knowledge on the facial anatomy and the facial muscles functions, so there are fewer chances of getting untoward results or complications after a Botox application.”

Botox Injections before and after pictures

If you are curious to see how Botox works, here are some Botox before and after pictures from Dr. Fuentes’ patients:  

 

If you want to try Botox or determine whether it will work for you or not, give us a call at (619)610-1667 to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Fuentes or any of our experienced plastic surgeons.