Botox for Wrinkles

How and Why BOTOX® Works on Wrinkles! 

Unless you've been living under a rock the past ten years, you've probably heard of Botox® for wrinkles and the wrinkle-reducing benefits of BOTOX®. If you haven't undergone treatment yourself yet, you may still be wondering how this injectable works. In fact, you may have avoided scheduling a BOTOX® treatment because someone has told you that it's a dangerous toxin or you've watched a reality TV show and thought to yourself, "I don't want to look like THAT!" If this is the case, it's time you got educated on the basics of BOTOX® for wrinkles and how it can safely enhance your appearance and restore a more youthful look to your skin.

What is BOTOX® and how does it work for wrinkles?

Many people don't realize that BOTOX® Cosmetic is a brand name for the neurotoxin introduced to the market by the pharmaceutical company Allergan. It is the most extensively tested and studied neurotoxin available in today's market. Not just used for cosmetic indications alone such as wrinkles, BOTOX® is also utilized in other areas of medicine to treat conditions like urinary incontinence, pain management, the healing of surgical scars, and in the treatment of facial and body spasms. BOTOX® is comprised of a highly purified protein that when injected into a muscle, makes that muscle temporarily relax and soften for up to 4 months (sometimes longer). Because contraction of specific facial muscles can create wrinkles over time, the benefits of BOTOX® for wrinkles was quickly realized and put into action for the anti-aging and cosmetic industry. Only BOTOX® Cosmetic is backed by more than 15 years of clinical studies. It uses a unique manufacturing process, and its potency is measured in units that cannot be compared to any other product. This is why there is no such thing as "generic" BOTOX® Cosmetic.

"When BOTOX® is injected into a muscle of your face, it blocks the receptors of that muscle from receiving the signal from your brain to contract," explains Katie McClellan, a Physician Assistant and owner of Infinite Youth Medical Spa. "Over a period of about 7-10 days, your muscles will relax, and the skin on the surface will smooth," she continues. "This process occurs gradually and fades gradually over the course of about 3 to 4 months," says Katie. "BOTOX® eventually wears off because your body is smart and produces new muscle receptors to receive the message to contract from your brain. But, if you receive consistent treatments throughout the year, you can keep the re-occurrence of wrinkles at bay and event prevent future wrinkles from forming!"

Does BOTOX® for wrinkles have potential side-effects?

The results you receive are dependent on the experience, skill, training, and credentials of your provider. Most states only allow physicians and registered nurses to inject BOTOX® for wrinkles, but some states do exist that have very lax regulations on who can legally perform treatments. It is essential to steer clear of unqualified providers and practices which try to entice you with extremely low pricing as their product may be imported from other countries that our FDA has not approved and they may not have adequate training to perform your treatment safely.

"The most common side-effects I see with my BOTOX® for wrinkles injections are slight redness and swelling at the injection site after your treatment that usually resolves itself within an hour," shares Katie. "Bruising can occur, especially around the eye area because it is a more vascular area," she continues. "In extremely rare cases a condition called ptosis may occur. This is a temporary condition that is marked by drooping or heaviness in the upper eyelid area due to the migration of the BOTOX®. This resolves in 3 months or less."

Is BOTOX® for wrinkles right for me?

What's your goal? To treat wrinkles, you see on your skin? To prevent future wrinkles from happening? If you said yes to either one of these, then BOTOX® may be right for you! BOTOX® is a very versatile product, as it can be used in multiple places such as the forehead, eye area, eyebrows, mouth area, jawline, neckline, and even your nose area. In addition to smoothing wrinkles, it can provide a natural, subtle lift to your features. Many patients choose to complement their BOTOX® treatments with dermal fillers, like Juvéderm or Voluma, to provide additional lift and volume restoration.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from certain neurological conditions or illnesses, you are not a candidate for BOTOX®. Your provider will discuss your medical history and expectations with you before treatment to ensure that you are a good candidate.

What are the results of BOTOX® for wrinkles and how long do they last?

"I tell my first-time BOTOX® for wrinkles patients who are nervous that treatment is like 'a long wind up for a fast pitch'," smiles Katie. "It's fast, virtually painless, and gives wonderfully predictable results that last 3 to 4 months," she continues. "I tend to treat first-time patients conservatively so we can assess how their muscles respond and ask them to return in 2 weeks to see if we need to increase their number of units," she explains. "Everyone is different, that's why it's so important to find a provider you can partner with over the long run who takes the time to understand your skin and your individual response."

Is BOTOX® super expensive?

The average American spends more on fancy Starbucks drinks each year than what quarterly BOTOX® wrinkle treatments would cost them. Most often charged by unit, BOTOX® prices can vary from clinic to clinic.  Also, each patient may require more or fewer units to achieve an optimal outcome.  Many patients take advantage of Allergan's Brilliant Distinctions Rewards program to earn points each time they receive a treatment that can later be applied as cash discounts to their future treatments.

"BOTOX® for wrinkles is more affordable than you think," says Katie. "Many women spend hundreds each year on wrinkle creams that simply don't work," she continues. "When you invest in a BOTOX® treatment you can be assured that you will have beautiful, natural results that last!"

Ready to try BOTOX® for your wrinkles? Call Infinite Youth Medical Spa at (952) 500-0350 to set up a complimentary consultation with one of our Physician Assistants to discuss your options!