Botox, botulinum toxin… you’ve certainly heard those terms at some point in your life. But, even though such names are well known to the general public, many people don’t know the many benefits and multiple possibilities of botox, and what they can expect from this procedure.
What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin type A – popularly known as Botox – is a substance produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It has been used in medicine for 40 years in a sterile and purified form, through injections, in assistance of several health issues, including migraines, eyelid spasms, excessive sweating, and bladder disorders. Outstandingly, botox’s most well-known function is to help in the treatment of dynamic facial wrinkles.
Dynamic wrinkles are those caused by facial movements, such as squinting, smiling, and furrowing of the brow. Over time, these dynamic wrinkles become static wrinkles, meaning that the skin’s collagen fibers break, and even when the expression is relaxed, the facial movements marks remain, such as crow’s feet, smile line, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines. In these cases, an application of botulinum toxin can act locally on the muscle, causing it to contract more smoothly. The procedure causes the regression of existing wrinkles and prevents the formation of new ones.
Duration and Results You Can Expect From Botox Treatment
Possible results and duration of the treatment depend on each patient and can be estimated after an individual diagnosis. Purely as a reference to the effectiveness of the botulinum toxin, a clinical study carried out with Botox Cosmetic reported that 82.5% of the patients show an improvement in wrinkle lines after one week of the injection. In general, the results are sustained for three months. After this period, the fading process starts – and it’s time to start planning the next application.
Does Botox Hurt?
One of the most common questions is whether applying Botox is painful. Because it is a quick procedure, the application of Botox is practically painless. However, the pain sensitivity differs among people, with some reporting to feel nothing, while others say they feel a burning sensation. To alleviate the painful sensation, some topical anesthetics can be used minutes before the procedure.
How to Avoid that Frozen Look on Your Face
Another understandable fear is to acquire a “frozen expression”. Botox should attenuate expression lines and wrinkles, not paralyze the face. As the whole concept of beauty is becoming more and more natural, it is necessary to look for an experienced and trained professional who provides a desirable reduction in movement, not a facial freeze. Accuracy in the application and a thorough understanding of how each patient’s body and skin receive the treatment are great concerns for an experienced physician.
Considered one of the best Botox doctors in NYC, Dr. Vafa is a board-certified physician specialized in the use of Botox Cosmetics, with many awards and thousands of aesthetics procedures performed yearly. His work is often referred to as “the downtown look” by his patients- referring to a natural look that does not appear overdone yet yields amazing results. Book your appointment with us or let us know if you would like to find out Botox Cost NYC or have any other questions!