Have you noticed that your laugh and frown lines have become more noticeable? Over time, our facial expressions can cause creases in the skin. Botox® smooths these lines and wrinkles so that you look younger and refreshed.
What is Botox®?
Expression lines and wrinkles develop when muscles repeatedly crease and fold the skin. After years of facial expressions, these wrinkles appear even when your face is at rest. Botox® causes these muscles to relax. It lets the skin become smoother and erases the appearance of lines. It has become one of the most widely used and safest aesthetic treatments.
How Does Botox® (Botulinum Toxin) Work?
Botox® works by relaxing the muscles that cause your expression lines. It uses botulinum toxin, an agent that temporarily binds to targeted nerves. Botulinum toxin will not damage the muscles or nerves in any way. Your body will remove it from the nerves over a few months. Botox® is injected into your facial muscles and targets the facial nerves, where it stops them from sending signals to the muscles. This prevents the muscle activity that produces your lines and wrinkles.
How Many Units of Botox® Do I Need?
Botox® comes in 50 or 100-unit vials. Each person responds to Botox® differently, so that you may need more or less than average. The most common areas of Botox® treatment usually require 20 to 30 units. The FDA has approved Botox® to treat:
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Vertical lines between the brows (glabellar lines)
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
The number of units needed may also depend on the size of your facial muscles, which tend to be more prominent in men, or how much movement you want to keep in the target areas.
What Results Will I See With Botox®?
Botox® results can appear within a few days but usually take seven to ten days to develop fully. You will notice the targeted lines fade away, leaving the area smooth and relaxed. A skilled injector will customize your Botox® treatment to give natural-looking results that retain your entire range of facial expressions. Botox® usually lasts three to four months. Many people schedule maintenance sessions a few times a year.
Is There Any Downtime With Botox®?
Botox® requires no downtime. You can have your injections on your lunch break and return to work immediately. Some people experience minor soreness or swelling in the treated area. These effects usually disappear within a day or two.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?
Botox® has been widely and safely used for decades. You may be a good candidate if you want to erase or prevent lines and wrinkles. You should not have Botox® if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions.
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 Next 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.
*Individual results may vary.
