Botox: A Beginner's Guide

In 2020, there were over 4 million Botox procedures in the U.S. 

Botox is a common, non-invasive cosmetic treatment that many people swear by. But as widespread as it is, there is still a lot of misinformation that surrounds it. This is often enough to intimidate people who are curious about Botox.

In this post, we will demystify Botox. We will explain what it is, how it works, and what you can expect from treatment. Keep reading for everything you need to know about Botox!

What Is Botox?

Botox refers to injections of botulinum into the face. Botox is a brand name and is colloquially used to refer to the procedure, though there are other brands that are also used. The injections target specific muscles and result in smooth skin and natural facial expressions.

Botox and other anti-wrinkle injections are highly localized. Your care provider will administer small doses of Botox to each treatment area. This means that you will most likely need multiple injections on your face per treatment.

An injection of botulinum will prevent the muscles in that facial area from contracting. The relaxation that a unit of Botox triggers can last up to several months. This is an established treatment that is very safe.

Injections of botulinum toxin are commonly used for Botox brow lifts and to smooth out facial wrinkles. Read our next section to learn about other common uses for Botox.

Who Should Get Botox?

There is no single age to get Botox because everyone's face ages differently. A good time to get Botox is when you start to notice fine lines developing on your face. Botox can smooth out facial wrinkles before they get too deep.

Most people get Botox to help alleviate lines and wrinkles on the face. But there are lots of other reasons why people seek out Botox. The effects of Botox can help with a wide variety of medical conditions.

If you are predisposed to migraines, Botox injections can help prevent them. It isn't completely understood why Botox helps with migraines. But some professionals hypothesize that it is because it blocks pain signals being sent to the brain.

Facial slimming is another reason why people choose to get Botox. If you grind your teeth, your jawline starts to look wider over the course of several years. Botox injected into the masseter muscles starts slimming the face.

This can also help manage teeth grinding and reduce the pain associated with a clenched jaw.

Botox can help treat acne. It does this by reducing oil production in the face, especially on the forehead.

Excess oil causes blockages in your pores, resulting in breakouts. If your acne is caused by excess oil on your skin, you may consider treating it with Botox. 

Lastly, many people find that as they age the skin around their neck starts to sag. This is sometimes referred to as "turkey neck." Botox can tighten and smooth the area to restore your neck to a more youthful version of itself.

In short, Botox can help with wrinkles management, skin conditions, masseter reduction, etc. There are plenty of other benefits to receiving Botox. Ask your doctor if Botox injections can help you.

Finding a Doctor

Everyone's face is different, and this is why it is important to find a treatment center that can help you come up with an individualized Botox plan. Before your treatment, your doctor should get to know your face and how it reacts to different facial expressions.

They will ask you about your goals for Botox and recommend sites on your face for injections. Choose a practitioner that you trust and feel comfortable with. An experienced doctor will be able to deliver the best treatment and will minimize the chance that you experience side effects.

Botox Aftercare

Botox aftercare is low maintenance. You should be able to continue about your day like normal. If you have received injections of botulinum, there are a few things you should avoid:

• Heavy exercise
• Rubbing the face
• Covering the face with make-up, hats, etc.
• No Ibuprofen or other blood thinners

Avoid these things for the first 24 hours to minimize bruising and maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.

There are a few side effects to watch out for. These include allergic reactions, persisting headaches, dark circles at the injection site, and droopy eyelids. But very few people experience serious side effects. 

Your treatment will last anywhere from 2-6 months before you need another one. If you receive Botox continuously, your skin will likely get used to being relaxed for multiple months. This means your treatments will start to last longer over time.

Long-term, the best thing you can do for your face is to avoid behaviors that exacerbate wrinkles and poor skin health. Cut out smoking, excessive drinking, and prolonged sun exposure. All of these things damage the collagen in your skin, resulting in poor skin health.

Consider How Botox Can Improve Your Life

Botox is a common procedure, but many people do not know much about it. Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of how Botox works and the myriad things it can be used to address. How can Botox improve your life?

The first step to successful treatment is finding the right practitioner. Our team at Park Slope Laser is prepared to answer any of your questions and create a treatment plan that works for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation at 917-369-0019!