No medication is guaranteed to be free of side effects, so you probably want to familiarize yourself with them before trying anything new. Botox® has decades of safe medical use in individuals of all ages as well as millions who enjoy its wrinkle-smoothing effects. Like anything else, it has minor risks your Capital Laser & Skin Care expert will discuss with you before your treatment. 

What is Botox®?

Botox® may be the most familiar household name in injectable treatments, even though it now has several relatives. It uses botulinum toxin, a compound that temporarily disrupts the signals that tell your muscles to contract. When used for aesthetic treatments, it usually targets the facial muscles that create expression lines. It continues to find wide use as a treatment for excessive sweating, migraines, and muscle spasms.

Botox Chevy Chase

*Individuals Results May Vary

Does Botox® Have Any Side Effects?

The name “botulinum toxin” is misleading because this compound does not harm your nerves or muscles. When it wears off, they remain unaffected. As a result, any side effects are temporary. Cosmetic use injects it in minuscule, localized amounts that pose a minimal risk. 

The most common side effects of Botox® are mild and include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Redness

Other, much less common side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Flu-like symptoms

In very rare cases, Botox® can spread to muscles it was not intended for. The best way to avoid this problem is to have your injections performed by the experienced injectors at Capital Laser. 

What Does Botox® Treat?

Botox® can be used in any area where wrinkles develop as a result of facial expressions. In the case of neck bands, these muscles become visible after turning and moving your head so often. The most popular areas for Botox® include:

  • Crow’s feet (creases at the corners of your eyes)
  • Forehead lines (horizontal lines above your brows)
  • Glabellar lines (vertical lines between your brows)

Botox® Consultations Available

How Long Do Botox® Results Last?

Your results usually become noticeable a few days after your Botox® injections and develop fully after ten to fourteen days. You can expect your results to last three to four months, although each person’s body responds differently. Maintaining your Botox® results will keep your wrinkles from worsening over time. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?

Botox® is safe for almost all healthy adults, although it may not be recommended if you have some medical conditions. Good candidates have realistic expectations and want to treat mild to severe expression lines and wrinkles. You can even have it at the earliest signs of wrinkles to prevent them from forming. You should not have Botox® if you have irritation or an injury to the skin in the treatment area.

Capital laser and skin care is the best dermatology practice I’ve ever been to. I’ve seen both Dr. Peters and Dr. Tanzi, who are both extremely intelligent, caring, highly skilled, practical – and gorgeous! The staff is excellent – very caring, skilled, excellent training, professional, and easy to talk to. I highly recommend Capital Laser to anyone seeking to take fabulous care of their skin. You will be in the best hands here.

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about Botox®? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.