Many people have heard of BOTOX® but aren’t sure what it is or what it can do. BOTOX is actually one of the single most popular cosmetic treatments performed each year – but it has many, many uses outside of just wrinkles. One of its biggest benefits is that it comes with no downtime and can produce results in as little as two weeks, making it a great choice for many patients. Here’s what to know about BOTOX treatment and how your board-certified dermatologist can help.
How Does BOTOX Work?
BOTOX is actually a purified form of bacteria that can block neurotransmitters in the muscles. When the bacteria bind to the nerve receptors, it blocks movement signals and temporarily paralyzes the muscles. In very small doses, BOTOX can be an incredibly effective way to relieve tense muscles and prevent muscle movements that cause creases and lines in the skin (called dynamic wrinkles). BOTOX comes in a powder form which is mixed with sterile saline before being injected with a very fine needle. The process is quick, painless, and low hassle.
What Can BOTOX Treat?
The uses of BOTOX are incredibly varied – but keep in mind that your results will depend on the skill and experience of your dermatologist. Here are just a few uses of BOTOX.
Forehead lines and frown lines
For people who have especially expressive brows, BOTOX can be one of the best options available. One of the first signs of aging is lines and furrows on the forehead and between the brows, typically because the upper face is one area that tends to express more than others. BOTOX can relax tense brow muscles and prevent expressions that cause lines to deepen – without causing your natural expressions to look fake or unnatural.
Crow’s feet and low eyebrows
Whether from squinting or smiling, the corners of the eyes are another place where wrinkles tend to first develop. Called crow’s feet, BOTOX can prevent these lines from forming and ease their appearance by paralyzing the muscles that surround the eyes. Additionally, BOTOX can achieve a subtle lift in the eyebrows (called a BOTOX brow lift) if your brows sag or cause heavy, hooded eyes.
Gummy smile, square jawline, and thin upper lip
Most people think of fillers when they think of the best cosmetic treatments for the lips. However, BOTOX can actually achieve something called the “lip flip” where BOTOX is injected into the muscle above the upper lip, causing it to reveal more of the pink part of the lip. BOTOX can also be used to change the muscles that activate when you smile if you have a higher ratio of gums-to-teeth visible. And finally, patients who have an overly square or broad jawline and want to slim it can find results with BOTOX by paralyzing the active muscles of the jaw (while still allowing for natural movement, of course).
Schedule an Appointment
There’s a lot to learn about BOTOX but your first step is meeting with a board-certified dermatologist. To meet with Dr. Hamblin and our team, contact our Show Low, Safford, and Mesa, AZ offices by calling or filling out our online form.