Botox Basics

Have years of frowning, laughing and squinting left you with an aged, tired or angry appearance? You’ve probably heard of a popular non-surgical solution called Botox. Botox continues to top the list as the most popular facial injectable. Unlike filler products that add volume to an aging face, Botox works quite differently. It is important to understand which of your facial concerns need filler treatment and which ones require Botox.

What is Botox?

Botox is considered a neuro-modulator, which means it can relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles to form. Botox® is a brand of botulinum toxin, a safe and purified protein that essentially blocks signals from the facial nerves to the facial muscle, which then weakens the muscle and prevents excessive facial movement in the targeted area. As a result, lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead can be softened. When used early and consistently, Botox may also help reduce the development of future wrinkles as well as diminish the existing lines and creases. When performed by a trained and experienced plastic surgeon, Botox should reverse the signs of aging without giving patients an unnatural appearance.

Where is Botox Most Effective?

While we all make the same general facial expressions, some of us have more exaggerated facial movements than others. For example, you may squint harder and more often than others or you may have a bigger smile. There is no right and wrong way to express your feelings on your face. However, the facial skin is likely to react after years of persistent movements.

As a result, Botox is commonly used to address the following unwanted signs of facial aging:

• Crow’s feet
• The 11’s or furrow
• Forehead worry lines
• Smokers lines around the mouth
• Frown lines

While facial Botox is temporary, lasting 3 to 4 months depending on the patient, this neuromodulator injection is still a very effective wrinkle treatment. When performing Botox injections, you can trust that Preserve your Pretty Skin and Body for the elite training, deep knowledge and artistic vision it takes to create results that look natural and do not compromise your facial expressions.

Why Choose Botox Cosmetic Treatment?

Many patients opt for Botox when they are unwilling, unable or not ready for plastic surgery. Botox is a safe, budget-friendly alternative to address facial aging without the downtime and risks of cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for Botox treatments are typically men and women who are healthy and want to reduce forehead creases, glabellar lines and crow’s feet using a non-invasive approach. In most cases, younger patients who have less advanced signs of facial aging experience the best Botox results.

In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon, Botox can also be used to lift the outer corners of the brows and lips, which often sag or turn downward with age. By targeting and relaxing the specific muscles that pull the brow and lip corners down, Botox can provide subtle rejuvenation to these facial features. In turn, patients tend to not only look younger and more rested, but they appear happier as well.

At Preserve your Pretty Skin and Body, you may combine your Botox treatment with one or more facial fillers to restore lost volume and create a more complete non-surgical facial rejuvenation. We also offer chemical peels and other skin resurfacing techniques to finalize your refreshed and vibrant look. Call today to learn more.