Written by Avery Samuels, Reviewed by Dr. Justin Harper, MD
Botox Need-to-Knows
Everyone knows that our bodies change as we grow older. Wrinkles form. Skin sags. Spots appear where they never existed before. Thankfully, cosmetic dermatology provides multiple solutions to the changes our physical appearances experience over time.
The most popular and widely-known aesthetic treatment that we do at Juvly is Botox. While many of us have heard of Botox, there are numerous facts about the procedure that clients should know in order to make informed decisions when considering how to deal with the physical aspects of aging.
What is Botox, and what can it do?
Botox is a neurotoxin wrinkle relaxer, derived from a bacterium. When it is injected into wrinkled areas, the underlying muscles are paralyzed, causing them to relax and thus smoothing out the wrinkles. This procedure is particularly popular for treating lines located on the forehead, around the eyebrows, on the neck, and on the upper eyelids and brow area.
However, Botox is good for a number of things – not just for treating wrinkles. For example, a 12-month study revealed that Botox injections to the head and neck helped 70% of patients experience a 50% decrease in the occurrence of migraines or headaches.
Furthermore, Botox is also a great treatment for shaping the face. Since the neurotoxin freezes muscles, it can be used to shape the face. When injected into areas around the jawline, these muscles relax and allow the face to take on a slimmer, more square-shaped appearance. For those who struggle with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which causes grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw, injections can also help alleviate these damaging and painful symptoms.
Lastly, Botoxis great for relieving underarm sweat. Hyperhidrosis, a disorder that causes excessive sweating, can be treated using Botox – the neurotoxin paralyzes the overactive nerves responsible for activating sweat glands.
How do I maintain the effects of my Botox treatments?
Skin care, skin care, and more skin care! In the morning, apply serums and dermal repair moisturizer, and in the evening apply Retinal and, again, a dermal repair moisturizer. These products will help the skin maintain a smoother appearance over time.
What are the side effects?
As with any medical substance inserted into the body, there is a risk for side effects to occur with Botox treatments. These side effects can include allergic reactions, nausea, stomach pain, headaches, bleeding or swelling around the injection site, anxiety, trouble urinating, a sore throat, or flu-like symptoms. Before you get any injections, talk with your doctor about your medical history and any concerns you might have regarding allergic reactions. Botulinum toxin can travel throughout the body, especially when injected by someone without the knowledge of experience to do so, so symptoms might not only manifest in the area of the injection site.
How much does Botox cost?
The price of Botox is relatively low compared to more invasive procedures that can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. The cost of your Botox treatment depends on how many units are injected, and this depends on your individual aesthetic concerns. To give you a rough idea, Botox comes in both 50 or 100 unit bottles, and you can find the pricing here.
When will I notice my results, and how long will they last?
The procedure itself takes only about 15 to 20 minutes with no down-time required afterward, and clients generally see results in between 5-7 days. Treatments usually last for about three months at a time, but every client has a different body, so results vary.