Our facial expressions let us communicate our feelings, but they also cause lines and wrinkles. You can smooth those wrinkles away with Botox®. This popular anti-aging treatment relaxes muscles to let you look more refreshed and youthful.
What is Botox®?
The contractions of our facial muscles form lines and wrinkles over time. Botox® interrupts the signal between the muscle and the nerve that controls it. Without signals from the nerve, the muscle stops contracting, and the skin becomes smooth.
How Does Botox® Work?
Botox® treats dynamic lines and wrinkles which are caused by muscle movement. By halting the unnecessary muscle contractions, Botox® achieves wrinkle-free results. It uses a purified version of botulinum toxin that acts on nerves to stop them from releasing signals to muscles. This causes a temporary weakening of the muscle, removing the wrinkles. Botox® works for lines and wrinkles in many areas, but especially across the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
How Much Can Botox® Cost?
Providers of Botox® may charge by the unit or the area of the face. A unit of Botox® can cost between $10 and $25, depending on your location. Botox® can have side effects if used incorrectly, so make sure you choose a provider with the experience and skill to give you good results.
How Long Does Botox® Last?
You can expect your Botox® results to take a few days to appear. Botox® will last about three to four months. Many people schedule regular Botox® appointments to maintain their youthful, rejuvenated appearance for as long as they want.
Is Botox® Safe?
The FDA approved Botox® for medical use in 1989, and it has stayed in continuous use since then. It revolutionized the treatment of conditions like muscle spasms, eye muscle disorders, and even excessive sweating. Although the name sounds intimidating, botulinum toxin does no damage to the nerve or muscle. Muscle contractions go back to normal when the toxin wears out and stops acting on the nerve.
Is There Any Downtime with Botox®?
You can go back to your usual activities after your Botox® treatment. Some people notice some minor bruising or sensitivity at the injection sites, but this goes away within a day or two.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?
If you have lines and wrinkles around the forehead, brow, or eye area and want to relax them away, you may be a good candidate for Botox®. Adults of all ages can receive Botox®, including younger people who want to maintain their smooth skin. You may not make a good candidate if you have had an allergic reaction to any botulinum product.
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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