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A Comprehensive Guide to Botox - All You Ever Wanted to Know And More img 1

‘Prevention is better than cure’ – but is it the case when it comes to aging? Truth be told, it depends on how you look at it. Unconscious lifestyle choices such as late-nights due to work, binge-watching, or binge drinking, and even going to bed with a full face of makeup can lead to fine lines and wrinkles earlier than expected. You have probably heard about someone in your peer who went for botox before even showing any signs of aging. Or perhaps you have been invited to a Botox party which you want to skip after seeing pictures of unnaturally frozen looking faces everywhere.

Even though Botox has been the talk of the town lately, beauty enthusiasts and cosmetic fan clubs still have an apprehensive approach towards botox. There is a need to address the inconsistencies and the unknowns presented by the cosmetic injectables industry about botox. In this article, we break it down to the basics so that you understand botox better and get better equipped for making informed decisions. Let us start with what is Botox, how it works on your skin, and its uses in cosmetic treatment.

What is Botox?

Contrary to popular belief, Botox is a natural protein made from a toxin called botulin type A which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. It is the first chemical substance used by doctors to treat fine lines and wrinkles in cosmetic dermatology.

Strong arguments lie on both sides of the debate about botox being harmful or safe for being used as a cosmetic and therapeutic drug. 

On one hand, scientists argue that the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and spores are harmless, they can cause problems when the spores transform causing the cell population to increase. This leads to the production of a deadly neurotoxin which is responsible for botulism. 

Botox works by paralyzing or weakening the muscles and it is also responsible for causing botulism. However, small doses are considered safe and therapeutic in treating both cosmetic and medical conditions related to muscles.

It has to be manufactured using very small doses of botulinum toxin which can temporarily paralyze the muscles. Botox is a term used by people for various products but the term “Botox” is a registered trademark of Allergan Inc. 

Uses of Botox In Cosmetic Treatment

It is rather widely known that botox is used for treating facial wrinkles like crow’s feet and frown lines. This FDA approved drug also helps in easing the tension in the muscles and ironing out the wrinkles on the skin temporarily. But what most people don’t know is that botox is not just a cosmetic drug but is also helps with major muscle-related medical conditions such as –

  1. Overactive Bladder
  2. Dry Eyes 
  3. Excessive Sweating
  4. Loss Of Bladder Control
  5. Chronic Migraines
  6. Severe Underarm Sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  7. Severe neck and muscle spasms (cervical dystonia)
  8. Eyes that point in different directions (strabismus)
  9. Uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm)

 

Read here about real experience-based facts about botox you’ll wish you had not missed – revealed by people who took the treatment and are happy with the results.

How Does Botox Work On Your Skin?

Botox injections work by blocking the signals from the nerves to your muscles. So now the injected muscles are no longer able to contract due to blocked communication from the nerves. This makes the wrinkles relax and soften out without further contraction. It is a comparatively quicker process than other cosmetic treatments as it takes 10-15 minutes and does not require anesthesia. But don’t worry about pain as your doctor will provide you with a numbing cream or ice cube to numb the area before injection.

It is a myth that botox will leave you looking like a frozen doll without any facial expressions. It will just soften the facial lines caused by excessive strain on the muscles due to smiling and frowning or even squinting. 

One thing to note here is that though botox is used for facial wrinkles and issues like crow’s feet and frown lines, it does not help with facial wrinkles caused by sun damage or gravity. Botox indeed has a paralyzing effect on the injected muscles for a brief period, but that does not cause numbness or loss of sensation.

It is vitally important to choose an experienced doctor who can judge the amount of botox it will take to treat your issue according to the size of your facial muscles.

Staying upright after 4 hours of the treatments and avoiding exercise is the general protocol for Botox treatment. It is advised not to touch or rub the treated area for at least 24 hours to avoid the spreading of Botox to other areas. It can take somewhere around 7 to 14 days for the treatment to yield full results. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and any and every anti-inflammatory medicine 1-2 weeks before the procedure to avoid bruising and ill-effects from the chemical. 

One can expect the effects of Botox to last 3 to 6 months as it largely depends on the individual’s muscle capacity. As soon as the muscles start returning to action, the wrinkles and lines reappear. But this time they can be less severe than the original because of shrinking muscles. 

The key to a positive experience with Botox treatment is choosing the best doctor who knows what they are doing. We encourage you to go for a quality consultation with an estimate and action plan based on your specific needs.

Contact us online or call our Studio City office at 805-389-1245 to take the first step toward achieving your best look.

Dr. Daniel G. Kolder

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

As a highly trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Kolder’s specialties include:
Tummy Tucks + Liposuction + Breast Augmentation + Breast Lifts + Breast Reduction + Facelifts + Armlifts + Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty, as well as a variety of non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. Kolder is also known to have a warm, easy manner, compassionate care, with surgical results that are beautiful and natural.

See Below Dr. Kolder’s Procedure Videos.

Patient Testimonial

“I was so pleased I chose to go to Dr Kolder! Not only do I love his staff, they are so helpful, efficient and just plain fun to talk to, Dr. Kolder makes you feel at ease with his knowledge and disposition. My surgery results were amazing and my recovery was made easy knowing I could call any time and get immediate attention and information. I highly recommend Dr. Kolder and his entire staff…”