Botox has been one of the most popular beauty treatments of our time. This, the original injectable wrinkle-reducer, has been smoothing frown lines, crow’s feet, worry lines, and other creases for nearly two decades. Seeing that this product is so well-known, we think it’s safe to say you may have heard a few things that aren’t completely accurate. This may have caused you to procrastinate in handling your cosmetic concerns. Here, we offer a few details that might help you jump off the fence and restore more youthful energy to your face.
Botox doesn’t have to freeze your expressions.
We’ll be frank here, Botox must be performed by a trained, licensed professional who knows what this drug can do. When poorly performed, Botox can cause too much muscle relaxation. Conversely, when performed correctly, Botox injections can smooth wrinkles and subtly restrict muscle movements but not so much that lively communication is prevented. Furthermore, Botox works at the site of injections. Treatment can lift the brows, smooth frown lines in between the brows, and decrease crow’s feet at the outer edges of the eyes without affecting the many other facial muscles that are involved in expression. With Botox, you’ll still look like you, only younger and more refreshed.
There is no magic age for Botox.
Because Botox injections are intended to correct the signs of aging, there may be a misperception that this treatment is only for middle-aged or older adults. This isn’t true. Many of the treatments we perform in our New York City office are to help younger patients prevent the worsening of dynamic wrinkles. The advantage of early, preventive Botox is that the very onset of permanent wrinkles is postponed.
It might feel funny at first.
When patients ask about the side effects of Botox, they often hear that they may experience minor swelling and redness; sometimes bruising. What they don’t hear is that the area that is injected with the neuromodulator may feel somewhat odd at first. The effects of Botox in the muscle develop gradually over several days. As the muscles begin to absorb the product, the area may feel tight. The effects of Botox peak within two weeks of treatment. Some people notice the changes as they occur and describe the onset of muscle paralysis as a feeling of having their forehead taped up. This is because muscles that were once in a consistent state of contraction and release are now immobile. None of this is painful, just temporarily odd.
Botox is an excellent treatment for the dynamic wrinkles that age the face. To learn more or schedule your consultation, call 212.288.0060.