Women and men around the world count on Botox to diminish the look of moderate to severe frown lines. If you’re looking for a solution to wrinkles and lines, Botox might be the answer.
1. What is Botox made of?
Botox is a trade name for Botulinum Toxin A, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. This organism was historically associated with botulism, a type of poisoning that often happened as a result of spoiled food. The medical form, however, is safe and tightly regulated. Its use has been FDA approved since 1989 for certain muscle disorders and approved for wrinkle reduction since 2002. It has been studied for years all over the world and doses used for medical purposes are really quite small relative to those associated with poisoning.
When a small amount of Botox is injected into a muscle, it blocks nerve signals that tell the muscle to contract. This produces an effect which temporarily weakens or paralyzes the facial muscles and smooths or eliminates wrinkles. There is no loss of sensory feeling during Botox’s effective time frame. Botox is not injected into nerves, so it will not cause any long-term damage that could result in numbness.
2. Do Botox injections hurt?
Any injection can hurt, but the needles used for Botox injections are quite small, pain experienced (if any) is usually very minimal. How painful you find the injections can vary depending on where in the face you are having it administered. Generally, injections around the eyes and lips tend to be more painful than the forehead or the area between the eyebrows where the skin is thicker and not as sensitive.
A topical anesthetic cream or cold pack can be used before the procedure to numb the intended injection area, so you may not feel much pain if any at all. You may feel a little discomfort once the anesthetic cream has worn off. But overall the pain associated with Botox injections is minor and depends largely on injection location and your own personal sensitivity.
3. Will people be able to tell I had Botox?
The answer to this one can really go both ways. Sure, the people in your life closest to you may have the greatest chances of being able to tell, but if done correctly BOTOX injections should leave you looking as natural as possible while still reaching your desired effect.
A good result will leave you looking fresh, cheerful, and perhaps younger.
With that said, it doesn’t take much research or knowledge to be able to spot a Botox procedure gone wrong. Typically caused by using too much or improper administration, a poorly done Botox injection can leave a face “frozen” as if in a constant state of surprise. All the more reason to use a reputable and certified BOTOX injector (hint: Like our team at Artemedica).
4. Is BOTOX permanent?
The short answer: No, Botox is NOT permanent.
The long answer: The body naturally metabolizes Botox and the effects typically last about 3 months and in some cases as long as 6 months. Although Botox cannot be reversed clinically, this should not give you much cause for concern if you’re worried about negative effects. Complications are very rare and experienced practitioners will be particularly cautious if it is a patient’s first time.
5. How do I find a good doctor or Botox injector?
The most important thing to consider when thinking about Botox is finding a reputable and experienced physician. Follow these tips to ensure you can move forward confidently with your Botox procedure:
- Check their credentials: The physician should be well-trained, qualified and preferably Board Certified.
- Get a complete medical evaluation: When submitting to any medical treatment that may involve complications, you should always consult with a physician for an evaluation and complete medical history before treatment.
- Be informed: Your physician should explain and discuss the risk, benefit, and alternative treatments with you and make recommendations for treatment.
- Choose an appropriate setting for treatment: Botox injections are medical procedures and should only be performed by highly trained personnel with the proper equipment.
Why choose Artemedica for your Botox treatment?
Dr. Lacombe has devoted his career to providing advanced techniques for improving the aging face.
He is a BOTOX® Black Diamond Provider, which means that he is among the top 1 percent of all Botox, Juvederm, Voluma and Kybella practices in the nation. Black Diamond status is based on volume used throughout the year and represents only the most elite injectors.
He also serves as a National Trainer, teaching other physicians and nurses how to inject BOTOX®.
In addition, he co-authored the book, “Cosmetic Injection Techniques,” which is a text and video guide to Neurotoxins and Fillers.
Because he is involved in FDA clinical research trials for new injectables and fillers, he is able to bring state-of-the-art advances from around the country to his patients in Northern California, often before they are available at other plastic surgery practices.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about which facial rejuvenation products or services would be best for your skin care goals, please call or contact us online today.
