Botox
How Does Botox® Work?
February 2, 2022
Botox
If you are looking to minimize the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, Botox® is one of the most popular and widely used solutions. For almost 20 years, Botox® Cosmetic has been the number one choice for people wanting to reduce dynamic wrinkles.
The demand for Botox® continues to increase because it is a quick, non-surgical procedure that requires no downtime. It also has a proven track record of safety and effectiveness.
If you would like to smooth wrinkles and refresh your appearance with Botox, our experienced team of skin care professionals at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery can help you put your best face forward.
How Does Botox® Minimize Wrinkles?
Botox® is a muscle relaxer, so it restricts repetitive muscle movement. Unlike dermal fillers that reduce wrinkles by adding volume to the soft tissue or stimulating collagen, Botox works by reducing the contraction of the underlying muscles. If you are still wondering how Botox® works, here’s what you need to know.
Botox® or botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin that interrupts the signal from the nerves to the muscles. The muscles contract in response to a release of a neurotransmitter from the nerves, and without this signal, muscle activity is reduced.
Botulinum toxin acts on the nerve and blocks the signal, and this limits the movement of the facial muscles. That’s why Botox® is so effective for dynamic wrinkles.
What are Dynamic Wrinkles?
Dynamic wrinkles develop as a result of the repeated contraction of the facial muscles. Expressions such as laughing, squinting or frowning, all require the activation of specific facial muscles. These expressions cause the skin to crease and fold, causing dynamic wrinkles to form over time.
Crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes, frown lines between the brows, and forehead lines are the most common dynamic wrinkles. Botox® works on the muscles linked to these facial wrinkles.
When Botox® is injected, it causes the muscles to relax, and this smooths the overlying skin and minimizes wrinkles.
What to Expect after Botox® Treatment?
Bruising at the injection site is always a possibility after Botox® injections. There may also be some redness and swelling, but these side-effects typically resolve within a few hours.
How Long Do the Results of Botox® Last?
Most patients start to see results about 48 hours after Botox® treatment, and the effects last up to 4 months on average. Depending on how long your results last, you will have to schedule Botox® sessions 2-3 times a year to maintain the wrinkle-smoothing benefits.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?
You may be a suitable candidate for Botox® injections if you would like to erase moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles such as frown lines or forehead creases. Ideal candidates for Botox® should also be physically healthy and at least 18 years old.
People with a neuromuscular disease or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not good candidates for Botox®.
If you are ready to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and freshen up your look, now might be the right time to give Botox® a try.
Take The First Step – Request A Consultation
Are you ready to learn more about Botox®? Schedule a consultation with Cornerstone Plastic Surgery to learn more!
Cornerstone Plastic Surgery has two premier locations in Linwood and Tom’s River, NJ.