Fine wrinkles such as crow’s feet and frown lines on the forehead are caused by the skin losing elasticity. As we age, our collagen production decreases and the skin becomes thinner. At the same time, nerve endings in the skin are still active. This results in sharp folding of the skin when we smile or frown. BOTOX® is an effective treatment for these common signs of aging. BOTOX® treatment involves the injection of a toxin produced by a specific form of bacteria. It is an effective, safe treatment procedure we recommend for our patients who suffer from facial and forehead wrinkles.
How BOTOX® Works
Although considered a toxin, BOTOX® is labeled as such merely because it is formulated from bacteria, specifically a type of bacteria that can – in another form – actually do harm. However, BOTOX® itself is completely harmless.
BOTOX® works directly on the nerves located in the muscles adjacent to the forehead and facial skin. The nerves cannot send signals to the brain, and the result is less tension put on the skin. The muscles cannot contract properly, and this prevents the skin from wrinkling. The nerves themselves are not damaged, nor is the muscle tissue.
The BOTOX® Procedure
The patient is examined for wrinkle lines, and the location of these trouble spots determines the injection points. The instrument used is a thin needle that easily penetrates the skin and reaches the muscle tissue. No anesthetic is required because the needle does not come into contact with a large number of nerve endings. The procedure targets several small areas on the forehead and cheeks. Several injections are usually required. The entire treatment takes only about 10-20 minutes.
After The Treatment
The treated areas may feel a bit numb for about 12 hours. Small bruises may be evident on parts of the face, but these gradually disappear as the nerve-blocking action begins to take effect. Over a period of about a week, the full effect of the blocked nerve action becomes more and more apparent. The fine lines and crow’s feet begin to disappear. We advise our patients not to rub the treated areas for a day or two. This is because the BOTOX® actually moves around within the muscles, and it is best to leave these areas alone until the injections settle into one region.
Safe, Non-Invasive Treatment
BOTOX® is non-invasive because no surgery is involved. The nerves themselves are not altered. BOTOX® treatments have been successfully administered to thousands of patients with excellent results. We encourage you to contact us for a consultation, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.