Scientifically known as botulinum toxin, Botox is a facial rejuvenation treatment that has gained a reputation for producing profound results. It is one of the most requested and popular cosmetic procedures that improve facial appearance and reduce wrinkles.
Other than working wonders to keep the face flawless and help maintain a youthful complexion, Botox is also popular because it is an affordable and safe cosmetic procedure.
What is Botox?
It is an anti-aging, skin-smoothing solution with the Botox injection working to temporarily weaken the facial muscles that cause creases on the side of the mouth, laugh lines, crow’s feet, and other wrinkles on the face.
If performed by a qualified specialist, Botox results are seamless, and the patient has younger-looking skin compared to the initial appearance. Botox has helped treat many muscular issues since the 1970s, including eyelid spasms, crossed eyes, excessive sweating, and cervical dystonia.
A Botox injection works by preventing the contraction of the facial muscles. When injected into the muscle tissues, the nerves that signal the processes responsible for stimulating muscle contractions are disrupted. This, in turn, leads to the muscles’ relaxation and helps smoothen out dynamic wrinkles.
What to Expect During a Botox Treatment
Most, if not all, of the patients that sign up for a natural looking Botox procedure experience little discomfort because we use the smallest of needles. There is no need for anesthesia during the process, but some patients use ice to cool the skin prior to the treatment Some areas on the face are slightly more sensitive to the treatment.
Before the Botox injection, some of the more painful areas, such as around the eyes, may be treated using a numbing cream. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. When properly administered, Botox results are natural looking and beautiful. The best part is that the treatment only affects the part of the face where the injection was administered and not any other body part.
During the procedure, your doctor may ask you to make facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, or squinting so that they can locate the best injection sites. A Botox injection most commonly lasts between 3-6 months, depending on the treated areas.
Common Facial Areas Treated with Botox
Botox is typically priced per unit, and some facial areas may require more units than others. Similarly, some areas also respond better to Botox injections than others. Some of the common areas include:
- Forehead
- Upper Eyebrow
- Bunny Lines
- Crow’s Feet
- Neck Bands
- Smile Lines
Forehead
It is one of the most common sites for a Botox injection because most people see the first signs of aging here. An injection in the forehead helps you keep wrinkles and fine lines away; hence you can achieve a youthful look.
Upper Eyebrows
An injection here mimics the effects of an eyebrow lift by inhibiting the movement of the muscles that pull the eyebrow down.
Bunny Lines
These rabbit-like wrinkles, also known as nasalis lines, appear on the sides of the nose when you smile or “scrunch” your face. Sometimes, they may extend to the lower eyelid! A softer look is achieved when those lines are treated.
Crow’s Feet
Crows feet are the small branching lines that form around the eyes when smiling, and are often referred to as laughter lines. Botox treatment around this area helps to relax the muscles that crinkle when you grin.
Neck Bands
As you age, both vertical and horizontal wrinkles may appear in and around the neck. Botox in the neck can soften these lines and help enhance the appearance of the jawline.
Smile Lines
Lines forming at the mouth corners may sometimes extend toward the jaw and cause the corners of the mouth to droop. Consider a Botox treatment for a happier and lovelier appearance around this area.
Non-Surgical Nose Job
Botox applied to the nose base raises the nasal tip by weakening the muscles that pull the nose down as you talk or smile. This technique can also be combined with dermal fillers for nose re-contouring.
Gummy Smile Treatment
A gummy smile occurs due to excessive elevation of the upper lip which exposes the gums above the front teeth when you talk, smile, or laugh. You can stop this effect by getting a Botox treatment to weaken the retractor muscles.
How to Achieve the Best Botox Results
Botox is an effective tool that helps combat the signs of aging in order to achieve a natural-looking and smooth appearance. Some of the tips to get the most out of a Botox treatment include:
1. Choose the Right Cosmetic Clinic
Before choosing a clinic, conduct a thorough search and narrow down your choices to the most experienced and qualified practitioners. You can also check the before and after results to ensure the treatments you are researching have the desired result.
2. Start Treatments at the Right Time
People age in varying ways and each person has unique cosmetic goals; hence there is no perfect time to start Botox. However, most prefer starting the treatment in their early 30s because this is ideal for maximizing the preventive benefits.
3. Engage the Physician in Discussing Your Cosmetic Goals
During the consultation, ensure you discuss your unique aesthetic goals with us so that we can provide expert advice and suggest a range of suitable treatment options.
4. Consider your Budget
Botox treatments are not permanent, and you may require additional procedures. We can talk about your budget in your consultation and create the best plan for you.
When considering Botox treatment, we suggest starting small and building to keep a natural look. Schedule a consultation with us so we can assess the problem areas and select the right services for your wants and needs.