Everyone has heard of Botox. But most people don’t know that it has actually been around for decades, having been used to treat conditions such as eyelid spasms, TMJ issues, even migraines.
But it was 2002 when Botox became the rock star of the aesthetic world. That was the year the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic use in the treatment of wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead. Since then, Botox injections have become the single most popular cosmetic treatment year after year all across the globe. Botox is now more well-known than many of the celebrities who swear by it.
Why all the adulation? Botox works. It effectively turns back the clock on facial aging, particularly in the areas around the eyes and on the forehead, reducing or eliminating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How does Botox work?
Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin type A, the bacteria that cause botulism. This sounds scary, and in the early days after its cosmetic debut the botulism connection kept Botox from being an instant sensation. But then explanations were made and Botox took off.
The secret to Botox is that botulinum toxin. Decades ago scientists discovered that the neurotoxin, when injected in very small amounts into a muscle, temporarily paralyzes that muscle. This is important in the aesthetic world because certain wrinkles and creases on the face are caused by the repeated contractions of muscles. These are called dynamic wrinkles. Actions such as smiling, squinting, and frowning create dynamic wrinkles. So, when Botox is injected into a muscle forming a wrinkle, it blocks the message sent from the nerve to the brain telling the muscle to contract. Without any message the muscle doesn’t contract, so the wrinkle above it either disappears or becomes far less noticeable. This continues for four to six months, at which time the body eventually absorbs the Botox and the muscles start to contract once again and the wrinkles return.
What wrinkles is Botox effective on?
Botox doesn’t have any affect on static wrinkles, the type of wrinkles that show themselves at all times. Static wrinkles are often the result of sun damage and the regular process of aging. Instead, Botox is very effective on wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), forehead lines, and lines that form between the brows (the 11s).
What occurs following treatment with Botox?
A Botox session takes just a few minutes. There is no downtime, although there may be some slight swelling and redness at the injection sites. Patients also need to avoid rubbing the injected areas for 12 hours, as that can cause the Botox to migrate to unwanted spots. Results usually take from three to seven days to fully show themselves.
If you’re sick of your crow’s feet or those 11’s between your brows, what are you waiting for? Botox can show the wrinkles the door, at least temporarily. And that’s a good thing! Call either our Newport Beach or Manhattan offices to schedule your Botox session.
