Your facial expressions communicate your feelings, but they also cause your skin to crease and wrinkle. Over time, these wrinkles become deeper and last even when your features relax. Botox® smooths lines and wrinkles by relaxing your facial muscles. This injectable treatment fits into the busiest schedules to let you look refreshed and youthful without recovery time.
What is Botox®?
While you now have several choices for wrinkle-smoothing injections, Botox® was the first and remains one of the world’s most widely used aesthetic treatments. It uses botulinum toxin, a compound that works by stopping targeted facial nerves from sending signals to the muscles that cause wrinkles. As a result, your muscles no longer hold your skin in its creased position, and it can relax, leaving you looking youthful and rejuvenated.
How Long Do Botox® Injections Last?
Despite being referred to as a neurotoxin, botulinum toxin has no permanent effect on your facial muscles or nerves. When injected, Botox® takes a few days to start working. Results typically last three to four months. However, each person’s body responds differently. Veteran Botox® users may see results last longer than average.
Because Botox® injections can take as little as 15 minutes, most people find it easy to maintain their results with a few appointments a year. Along with reducing the appearance of your wrinkles, this treatment also prevents muscle actions that would make them worse. As a result, your wrinkles will not progress while you are receiving Botox® treatments.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?
Botox® is widely used for medical and aesthetic purposes and is FDA-approved to treat facial lines and wrinkles. Good candidates have reasonable expectations and want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles without surgery. You should not have Botox® injections if you have an active skin condition or infection in the treatment area or if you are pregnant.
Is There Any Downtime After Botox®?
Some people notice minor swelling, redness, or bruising in the injection areas for up to a few days after treatment. There is no downtime, and you can return to work or other activities immediately. Avoid rubbing your face after your Botox® injections. We recommend consistent sunscreen use to prevent lines and wrinkles from progressing.
What is the Best Age to Start Botox®?
While Botox® can smooth existing lines and wrinkles, it cannot get rid of them permanently. Many people are choosing to start Botox® at a younger age, catching these wrinkles at the first appearance or even before. Many people start Botox® in their 30s or 40s, but there is no “best” age to begin treatment. We can assess your needs and goals to help you determine the best plan for you.
“I had a wonderful experience at Capital laser! The space is gorgeous, and state of the art. Feels like walking into a high-end spa. The staff is attentive and friendly. The Dr. takes the time to talk you through your treatment and then continues to check in during the treatment. Plenty of time to stay and rest, have a cup of tea and a snack. I highly recommend Capital Laser and skincare!”
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.
