Botox

Botox® is among the most popular dermal fillers in NYC for its anti-aging properties. Over time, the repetitive use of certain facial muscles can lead to the development of deep facial lines and wrinkles. Botox® injections can reverse, as well as prevent, these signs of aging by limiting the mobility of the muscles, temporarily relaxing the facial muscles, and restoring youthfulness to the face.

Procedure

Botox® uses a toxin called botulinum toxin. Botox®, a neurotoxin, was the first medication to use the botulinum toxin. The primary substance used in Botox® injections, botulinum toxin A, is carefully extracted, purified, and standardized into FDA-approved doses. The dose is so small, it can’t travel beyond the muscle tissue it’s injected into. This means that it’s unlikely for Botox® to enter the bloodstream. In extremely small concentrations, the botulinum toxin has proven to be a successful and valuable therapeutic protein. Injected Botox® prevents the release of acetylcholine to prevent muscle contractions and muscle stiffness.

Whenever you laugh, squint, or frown, certain facial muscles contract. Over the years, these repetitive movements create lines and wrinkles on your face. Botox® smooths these lines by reducing muscle activity and relaxing the underlying muscles. Once the muscles are at rest, the skin becomes smoother, creating a more natural and refreshed appearance. Botox® can target the underlying causes of the common signs of facial aging such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines.

Benefits

Safety

Botox® is an FDA-approved treatment that has proven to be effective in diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by the overuse of specific facial muscles. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological or neuromuscular disease, it isn’t recommended that you receive Botox injections.

Botox® should only be injected by experienced doctors. If administered incorrectly, Botox® may lead to adverse side effects. At Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill, our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants have extensive experience administering Botox® injections.

Results

After receiving Botox® injections, most patients will begin to notice results after 24-48 hours. Full results can be seen within 30 days of receiving the treatment. The time it takes for Botox® to start working depends on a variety of different factors, including the area being treated, how many units of Botox® are injected, and how active a patient is following their treatment.

Although results will vary for every patient, results can last up to 4 months following the initial injections. It is common for results to last a shorter period of time for patients receiving Botox® for the first time. However, results are known to last significantly longer after the second treatment. Each patient will experience slightly different results.

Recovery

Botox® is a non-invasive solution to combat common signs of aging that surface on the face. Considering no anesthesia is required to undergo this procedure, patients are able to resume their daily activities almost immediately following receiving their Botox® injections. In order to maximize the effectiveness of Botox® injections, it is suggested that patients refrain from exercising for at least 24 hours following their injections. Additionally, it is recommended patients remain upright for at least 4 hours following their injections. This will decrease the chances of bruising. Patients should refrain from touching their face for 1-3 days following the procedure to prevent Botox® migration.

Following Botox® injections, some patients may experience minor side effects. These side effects may include symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, or flu-like symptoms. Redness, swelling, and bruising around injection sites are normal and should subside within the days following the procedure. Some patients may have an allergic reaction, which may include itching, rash, redness, wheezing, asthma

Contact

The doctors and staff at Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill would be happy to discuss medical dermatology treatments in more detail. Please give us a call at (646) 661-6131 or request an appointment online for a personal consultation at our New York offices.