Part of facial aging has to do with the formation of wrinkles and lines on the face primarily in the forehead and around the eyes. These wrinkles form due to the motion of facial muscles that have attachments to facial skin and thus create folding or wrinkling of skin with time.
To prevent these wrinkles from forming permanently, Botulinum toxin type A, popularly known as Botox (Botox Cosmetic®), is used to temporarily weaken the facial muscles. When properly applied, one can be free of wrinkling of the forehead or around the eyes while still having normal motion in the face and avoiding the undesired “botox look.” There are also other products that are gaining popularity such as Dysport® and Xeomin® that work in a similar manner but require different concentrations.
Wrinkles can be unsightly, especially if they are very prominent and located in easily noticeable areas of the face. Here are the common reasons why they develop:
Wrinkles are normal and expected to form as you age. Your dermis, which is composed of collagen and elastin responsible for elasticity and support, becomes thinner the older you get. Apart from being less elastic, the skin also becomes less effective in retaining moisture and secreting oil. These factors contribute to wrinkle formation.
Photoaging refers to the premature aging of the skin when exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Long-term exposure to UV light can break down collagen fibers and damage the skin. The body would try to create new collagen fibers, but with continuous UV light exposure, the fibers produced would be less efficient at maintaining skin elasticity, leading to wrinkles.
Small muscle contractions contribute to the formation of wrinkles around the eyes (known as crow’s feet) and between the eyebrows (called frown lines). The more habitual the facial expression, the more prominent the wrinkles become.
Smokers are prone to develop wrinkles. Research published in The Journal of Pathology has concluded that chronic smoking can harm the proteins in the skin responsible for maintaining skin elasticity. Smoking tobacco increases the stiffness of the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. It can also significantly reduce the production of new collagen, which is vital to regenerate healthy skin.
Stress hormones can change the proteins in the skin, making it lose elasticity and form wrinkles. People who are chronically stressed and worried also tend to furrow their brows, which may contribute to skin wrinkling.
Botox® is a medicine that contains botulinum toxin. Injecting Botox® into the muscles blocks the nerve signals that make the muscles contract. After the injection, the muscles that cause facial wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead become temporarily relaxed, giving you younger and wrinkle-free skin. You might need to repeat the treatment when the effect begins to wear off, and the wrinkles start showing again.
Botox® injection is safe and effective in smoothing facial wrinkles and achieving younger-looking skin. This injection is what you need if you want to experience the following benefits:
The potential side effects of treatment may include:
Some of these are signs of an allergic reaction, so make sure that you disclose your allergies to your doctor during your consultation. Droopy eyebrows and droopy eyelids are temporary and technique-dependent, so the skills and experience of your doctor are also crucial.
The treatment is contraindicated for the following:
Here are the answers to common questions about Botox® injection:
After the injection, you can enjoy wrinkle-free skin for 3-4 months or longer. This depends on several factors:
You will need to repeat the treatment once the muscles start working again and wrinkles reappear. Regular treatments will make the muscles shrink in size so that the wrinkles will be less prominent with time.
Before getting Botox® in Coral Gables, you need to:
Anesthesia will be applied to numb the injection site. Then, your doctor will use a thin needle to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into the target area. The more extensive the area, the higher the number of injections. Since the injection site is numbed by anesthesia, you will not feel pain.
It takes the toxin approximately 2 hours to bind itself to a nerve. You will see the full results in 1-10 days after treatment. If the desired effect is not achieved within this timeframe, please contact our clinic.
To get the best results and prevent complications, your doctor may recommend the following:
especially the treated area, in the first 4 hours of treatment. The injection site is sensitive, and touching it can lead to discomfort.
to prevent the medicine from spreading to other parts of the face.
Exercising can increase pressure in the injection site and blood flow to the face, diffusing the medicine to unintended areas. Generally, you have to wait for at least 4-24 hours before you do your workouts. To be safe, ask your doctor for the ideal time.
No. If you decide not to repeat the injections, your wrinkles will only return to how they were before you received your initial treatment.
If you experience any of the following, give us a call immediately:
These complications happen when the toxin spreads in your body. They can be prevented by following your doctor’s instructions before and after the procedure. To ensure the best outcome, it is also crucial that you choose a skilled and certified doctor who has experience in giving Botox® treatments.
Choosing the right clinic can significantly affect the result of your Botox® treatment. It is vital that your doctor is board-certified, experienced, and skilled for this type of cosmetic procedure.
If you want to get a Botox® injection, Revive Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging Institute is just the right place for you. Our clients are in the safe and experienced hands of Dr. Morad Askari, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience in plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic procedures and surgery.
At Revive, we take pride in delivering the results that meet our clients’ needs. We make sure that we give high-quality care and treatment to satisfy our client’s expectations.
For inquiries, contact us or call us at (305) 600-5041. You can also request a virtual consultation with our plastic surgeon.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
