In most cases, the most common (and noticeable) signs of aging are fine lines and wrinkles that sometimes start to appear on your face as early as your 20s or 30s. However, while age is one of the factors that contribute to the severity of the issue, folds and wrinkles are caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, collagen depletion and environmental effects. But were you aware that not all wrinkles are the same?
How Does Botox Work?
The clinical name for Botox is Botulinum toxin type A, and it is a purified protein derived from the naturally-occurring bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s a neurotoxin, designed to target the nervous system, so when minimal doses of Botox are injected into lines and wrinkles, the neurotoxin works to block the signaling process of the neurons (or neurotransmitters) that are responsible for activating your dynamic expressions.
While Botox is mostly known for its aesthetic uses, it is also FDA-approved to treat a wide range of conditions, from migraines to urinary incontinence to excessive sweating. It is a neuromodulator, which refers to something that interferes with the transmission of a nerve impulse. When used to reduce wrinkles, Botox uses botulinum toxin A to interfere with the communication between the nerve and the muscles of the forehead or around your eyes by preventing the release of acetylcholine. In normal conditions, acetylcholine is released by nerves to communicate with muscles, telling them when to contract. When injected into a wrinkle-producing muscle, Botox prevents the release of acetylcholine, effectively blocking communication between the nerve and the muscle. This results in temporary immobility, relaxing the muscles in the treatment area and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. With consistent use, Botox can actually train the muscles to stay relaxed, not only softening existing lines, but helping to prevent new ones from forming.
What to Expect from Your Botox Treatment
Botox is safe and convenient, and offers natural-looking results. At The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness, we perform all of our injectable treatments in the comfort of our office. When you come in for a consultation, one of our injectors will provide you with a professional assessment as well as a personalized treatment plan based on your goals.
Botox injections are virtually painless, so no anesthesia is required, and the treatment takes just minutes to complete. Your highly trained and experienced injector carefully plans and maps out your injection pattern according to your treatment plan and ensures that you understand your results and after-effects. Side effects, if any, are usually limited to minor discomfort at the injection sites, but these are mild and will resolve quickly.
There is no downtime or recovery required – in fact, you could come in for a treatment during your lunch hour, and return to work with no one knowing you underwent an aesthetic procedure. At The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness, we take great pride in our ability to leave you looking youthful and refreshed without looking “plastic” or “frozen.”
View before & after galleryResults of your Botox Treatment
It takes three to five days after your Botox treatment to see your full results, which typically last between four to six months. You will still be able to smile, frown or look animated as usual, any creases or wrinkles will appear much softer and less noticeable. To maintain your smoother, more youthful look, you will need to undergo consistent injections according to your treatment plan.
Whether you are just beginning to see signs of aging in your face, or are bothered by fine lines and wrinkles that make you look older than you feel, Botox may be the solution. Call The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness today at 541.200.2777 to schedule a consultation, and learn how Botox can refresh and rejuvenate your appearance.
