First and foremost, Botox is an effective temporary treatment for wrinkles and fine lines on the face and neck. But it only works for dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles that you get when you move your face. Examples of these are the lines on your forehead when you raise or furrow your brows, or the wrinkles around your eyes and mouth when you smile. It does not work for static wrinkles, which are facial lines that often result from sun damage rather than facial movements. These are the ones that still remain on your face even if you are not moving an inch. Aside from getting rid of dynamic wrinkles, Botox can also lift your brows and make your face look less tired. It can also be used for excessive sweating especially in the underarms, as a small dose can minimize the amount of sweat produced by your sweat glands. It can even reduce migraines, which benefits people who suffer from chronic headaches.

Candidates

You are a good candidate for a Botox if you have moderate to severe facial wrinkles. However, these wrinkles should be located in areas that can be treated, like the ones around the eyes (crow’s feet), on the forehead, and around the neck. However, you should refrain from getting treatments if you are allergic to any botulinum toxin product. This is also not a good idea if you have a skin infection at the planned site of injection. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with muscle and nerve conditions should also avoid getting treatments. As in all other cosmetic treatments, you should be in general good health and have realistic expectations when you undergo Botox treatment. Check out the following Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Botox Procedures to learn more about the treatment.

Procedure

Dosage plays a critical role in the administration of Botox injections. Although it varies depending on the specific areas of your face that you want to treat and the technique of the physician, too many treatments can make the remedy poisonous. That is why only small and calculated amounts are injected into the nerves. Botox injections work by preventing the contraction of facial muscles. In order for the muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical known as acetylcholine, which binds to the receptors on the muscle cells and causing them to contract. Botox prevents acetylcholine from being released in the first place, thereby preventing the contraction of muscle cells and allowing them to become less stiff. Without a lot of muscle movements, dynamic wrinkles have no chance of forming on the face. Injections are usually applied on the wrinkles located in the upper area of the face, like the forehead and eyes. However, skilled surgeons can make it work in other regions of the face.

Results

The whole procedure only takes a few minutes and does not require anesthesia. Though the difference in your looks is immediately obvious, how long before Botox works and achieves its full effects usually takes a week or two. Keep in mind that the effects are not permanent. The results only last for three to four months, depending on the dosage and application. Injections around the eyes tend to last shorter than three months. While it means that you need to touch-up every quarter in order to maintain your wrinkle-free look, this is also a good thing if you get a botched treatment as your skin is bound to return to normal within a few months. If you get Botox injections regularly, your facial muscles will get used to it, hence making the results last longer. Long-term treatments can also make your wrinkles look permanently better because it prevents them from getting deeper over time. Consistent treatments can help you kick bad habits such as frowning or lifting your brows for no reason, thereby preventing potential lines from getting etched in your skin. Frequent treatments help you relax your facial muscles so that you will no longer need higher doses or frequent injections to maintain beautiful results over time.

Botox Miami vs. Dermal Fillers

Just like Botox, dermal fillers are injectable treatments that target wrinkles and other signs of aging. But instead of relaxing facial muscles, dermal fillers work to fill creases, thereby plumping up the skin. As you age, the natural collagen and elastin found in the skin lessen, which are responsible for giving your skin a youthful glow. The amount of hyaluronic acid found in the body also diminishes, leaving the skin less supported so that lines and wrinkles develop. Dermal fillers lift and smoothen targeted folds and wrinkles by adding subtle volume so that you get a fresher and more youthful look. There are many brands of dermal fillers found in the market. One of the most popular is Restylane, a dermal filler made from hyaluronic acid that enables the skin to retain its shape and volume. The acid binds with the body’s natural stores of water, gradually plumping up the skin and giving it a smoother and more youthful appearance. It is very effective in improving the appearance of creases around the mouths, lips, and eyes. Another popular brand is Radiesse, which is a long-lasting dermal filler that consists of tiny calcium particles suspended in a smooth gel. Aside from smoothing out wrinkles, it also stimulates the skin’s own collagen production, leaving the skin young-looking. Because dermal fillers usually take only 30 to 45 minutes, you will only experience minimal discomfort while the procedure is going on. You will start seeing results immediately after treatment and it does not leave any scars. The best thing about it is that the results are subtle, making your friends and family believe that you are simply looking your best and did not get any procedure done. As time goes by, the effects will start to soften, so you can be sure that there will be no drastic changes in your appearance. You have the option to top up the treatment at the end of 18 to 28 months when the effects of dermal fillers have faded. No matter how helpful they may be, all wrinkle fillers have a downside. There is the risk for allergic reactions and the formation of bumps under the skin. There are even times when those bumps become permanent. There is also the possibility of the Tyndall effect when the skin and vein in the treated area develops a bluish discoloration. This color change can last for several months. In very rare cases, skin cells may die if these dermal fillers are not injected properly. It can even cause blindness and facial paralysis. Getting the services of a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon can help lessen these risks. In reality, it should not be a choice between dermal fillers and Botox. You can get the best results if you combine the two. Botox is often used in conjunction with dermal fillers as it enhances the overall results of the treatment. Together, they provide the most natural-looking improvement in facial appearance. In fact, the effects of dermal fillers last longer when combined with the best treatment.

Preparation

One of the most important things that you need to do to prepare for your treatment is to select a skilled and experienced board certified cosmetic surgeon. You will only get the best results if the person who will do it has ample skills and effective techniques. You need to find a doctor who specializes in facial anatomy and has been successfully administering Botox for several years. Schedule a consultation with him to get to know him more. During the consultation, tell your doctor about your medical history, including your allergies, existing medical conditions, past medical procedures, present medications. Make sure that you tell your doctor the area that you want to be treated and what your ideal final result is. Some want a natural-looking face while others like the frozen face. Be sure to communicate this to your doctor. Ask questions if you have any. Before your scheduled procedure, you need to stop taking medications that thin the blood in order to avoid bleeding and bruising during injections. Your doctor might ask you to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, Excedrin, vitamin E, St. John’s Wart, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng at least two weeks prior to your appointment. Alcohol is also prohibited a few days before your treatment. If you have a low pain tolerance, you can take pain medications like Tylenol. Once you are in the clinic, your skin will be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or antiseptic. You no longer need to wear makeup because it will be taken off, anyway. Applying an ice pack before can help reduce any potential signs of bruising. You can do this before and after the procedure.

Recovery

After your procedure, you will not immediately experience the full effects of your treatment. But while you wait for a couple of weeks for the treatment to somehow set in, you need to take care of your skin in order to reap the maximum benefits of your treatment. Avoid touching the areas of your skin where the treatments were injected for at the first 24 hours. If you are planning to get a facial, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, and other similar treatments right after getting your procedure done, cancel them as they can interfere with the healing process. You should also avoid rubbing or massaging those areas because this can make the toxin spread to other unintended muscles, thereby also limiting their movements. Strenuous physical activity should also be avoided, and that includes exercise after treatments. Activities that move your head below your heart, like simply bending over, are also not allowed during the first 24 hours because the injected toxin might migrate to other areas of the body. There is also the possibility that the Botox proteins might metabolize while you exercise since it takes time for them to diffuse into the target muscles. Thus, exercise after can actually make the treatment less effective. Drinking alcohol and taking blood thinning medications are still not allowed right after your treatment to allow proper healing to take place. Your physician will tell you when you can resume taking them. Your doctor will also give you topical treatments like arnica and vitamin K just in case you get a bruise. Most of all, remember to call your physician if you experience any untoward side effects or complications from your treatment.

Safety

Given that Botox is a toxin, many people are wondering whether it is really safe or not. But even if the botulinum toxin type A is one of the most powerful neurotoxins around, you can rest easy because every injection has been meticulously purified and produced in a laboratory setting. In addition, very small amounts are used for cosmetic treatments. Around 100 to 400 units are used for cerebral palsy, while only 20 to 50 units are being used for treating wrinkles. Still, it is not recommended if you are suffering from an allergy, present infection, or muscle or nerve disorder. It should also be used with caution if you have breathing, swallowing, or bleeding problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also postpone their treatments. To make sure that Botox is safe for you, get injections only from a well-trained, board-certified cosmetic surgeon who understands your facial anatomy. This way, you do not run the risk of obtaining fake injections that have not been approved by the FDA. It also lessens the risk of mistakes that your surgeon might commit if he lacks experience with Botox.

Risks and Side Effects

Even if it is dubbed as one of the safest cosmetic procedures, Botox is not without its side effects. Right after your treatment, you may experience redness and swelling at the injection sites. However, these are temporary, with the skin usually returning back to normal after 15-20 minutes. At most, these will go away after a few hours. Pain is also common, but it depends on your skin and the skill of your injector. Some people do not experience pain at all. If you have low pain tolerance, you can apply ice on the injection site before and after treatments. Bruising is another side effect, but keep in mind that this is not an outright sign of a botched treatment. Immediate bruising shows up a few hours after injection. But there are also instances of delayed bruising, which happens one to two days after the treatment. They usually go away on their own after a week or two. Some people also experience a minor, visible bleeding on their treatment sites. However, this bleeding is very minor, and it can be likened to the bleeding that you get when you pop a pimple. You usually have nothing to worry about if you experience these side effects. But do call your doctor if you experience them for a prolonged period of time. Botox complications are rare. Many of them are usually caused by technical errors on the part of the cosmetic surgeon, which is why it is important to really scrutinize the one who will do your treatment. If you experience any of the following complications, it is recommended to seek medical attention right away:

Cost

These procedures cost anywhere from $300 to $465 for frown lines and $590 to $860 for forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. Most specialists charge per unit used, which is around $15 each for the first 30 units needed. Others price their services depending on the injection site. Keep in mind that the costs of treatment depend on the physician, location, units purchased, desired profit margin, ongoing promotion, and other factors. Just because a doctor is expensive does not mean that he or she is better than the others. You can always look for skilled and experienced doctors who charge affordable services.

Botox Miami Alternatives

There are many other treatments that have the same wrinkle-minimizing effect like Botox. If you think that this procedure is not the right treatment for your wrinkles, you can check out other popular procedures like Dysport, Xeomin, and Pelleve.

Dysport

Like Botox, Dysport is an injectable wrinkle treatment made from the same neurotoxin, botulinum toxin type A. It was developed in the 1990s to help treat muscular disorders, such as cervical dystonia, which are severe spasms in the neck muscles. Because of that, it has also been discovered as a popular wrinkle treatment. It is even said to be faster-acting and longer-lasting compared to Botox. It spreads farther from the injection site, thus requiring fewer injections. But this is also its biggest drawback since there have been patients who experienced the toxin spreading to other areas beyond where it was injected, thus causing some serious life-threatening side effects. Dysport is not advisable for people with allergies to the toxin or cow’s milk. It is also not recommended for people with infection, swelling, and muscle weakness in the area where the drug will be injected.

Xeomin

Dubbed as “The Naked Botox,” Xeomin is also similar, only it does not have the carrier proteins present. The absence of these protein carriers results in fewer allergic reactions or resistance to the neurotoxin. It is being used in Europe since 2008, and it received FDA approval in the United States in 2011. Xeomin is better than Botox in that it costs slightly lower and it does not need to be refrigerated. With regard to results, it produces pretty much the same effects, only there is lesser risk of allergies. Hence, Xeomin is recommended for people who easily get allergic reactions.

Pelleve

Pelleve is a wrinkle reduction system that also rejuvenates and firms the skin without surgery. It is a radio frequency skin tightening treatment that is ideal for removing difficult lines on the face, such as the ones in the aye areas and the lipstick lines on the top lip. It can also be used on the jowls and neck. It does not require anesthesia or skin cooling, and the pain that you will feel—if there is any—will be highly dependent on the skill of your cosmetic surgeon. You can easily fit this treatment in your busy schedule as it requires minimal recovery time.

To make sure that you get the best treatment, hiring an experienced and highly qualified cosmetic surgeon is of utmost importance. If you want to learn more about where to get these treatments, schedule a Free Consultation with Face + Body Cosmetic Surgery.

References:

http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/548418/botox-vs-fillers-the-lowdown.html http://www.wrinkles.org/dermal-filler-comparison/ http://www.webmd.com/beauty/facial-fillers/wrinkle-fillers-what-you-should-know https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/botox.html http://www.skinacea.com/facials/botox/botox-benefits.html http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158647.php http://www.webmd.com/beauty/botox/cosmetic-procedures-botox