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Botox was once only used by the rich and famous, and considered taboo to many. Over the years, its accessibility and success rate made it a widely acceptable aesthetic treatment. That may also coincide with the social media age, where the image of models and influencers is a vital part of making moolah. We’ve already covered the many uses of Botox. However, if you’re deciding to get some help for those wrinkles and fine lines, here are some critical facts about botox treatment you need to know.
The main ingredient of botox is Botulinum Type A. It’s a protein that is a neuromodulator. The neuromodulator relaxes the muscles under the skin that creates wrinkles and fine lines. We use the term Botox loosely, but it’s actually a brand name. It’s the first to get FDA approval and has several uses. It also continues to crush the market, making over 3 billion in revenue yearly since 2017. Since it’s a brand name, that means there are others on the market that are just as effective. Your dermatologist may recommend Dysport or Xeomin. There’s also Juveau, known as “Newtox” that’s getting rave reviews. Know that each product will produce the right results in the hands of a board-certified dermatologist.
Botulinum Type A is a toxin, and it is possible for the body to create antibodies, making Botox ineffective. At the same time, this is a sporadic occurrence. Allergan’s review of Botox suggests a 1%-3% possibility of resistance. That figure could translate to as little as 1 in 10,000. If Botox is not working for you, there could be other factors at play. Speak with your dermatologist, who will work with you to make sure you’re satisfied with the results. Some steps may include changing the brand, increasing the dosage, or reviewing what happened during the process.
Botox treatment can start showing amazing results in as little as 3-4 days. However, the injectable isn’t permanent. Products like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin have a 3-5 month timeframe before the effects start to wear off. You can get regular sessions every 3-4 months. Over time, facial muscles will naturally contract less, which spreads out treatment further. There are some factors that impact the time, such as age. To really stretch the effectiveness of your injectable, avoid excess sun exposure, smoking, and alcohol. At the same time, take steps to improve your skin health. Remember, Botox impacts the muscles and not the skin. A healthy lifestyle and skin routine mean fewer but more effective trips to your dermatologist.
There are essential factors to think about with your injectables treatment. These include age, frequency of treatment, and location. More importantly, the injectable needs time to bind to nerve transmitters. The process can vary from person to person. It’s important to wait at least 14 days to see the full results of the treatment. Your dermatologist will discuss your aesthetic goals and treat the area with the right dosage to give you the maximum results.
Although your dermatologist is injecting a toxin into your body, these are small doses that aren’t life-threatening. There are some minor effects, like bruising at the injection site. For cosmetic use, injectables like Botox carry an even lower risk. For example, between its FDA approval in 2002 and 2005, over 1 million patients used Botox for cosmetic reasons. The FDA received a total of 1031 cosmetic cases, which caused no deaths or severe reactions. That track record continues today, although there are safety warnings that help protect all parties involved.
It may sound strange, but Botox has a strong emotional effect too. Imagine waking up to see your forehead wrinkles or Crow’s feet significantly reduced. What was once lowering your confidence is gone, leaving you more outgoing and happier! There’s some science to back it up, too. Recently, researchers have been testing Botox as a treatment for depression with favorable results. When compared to placebo, subjects who were administered Botox had a 52% improvement in depression symptoms. When you look good, you feel good! However, some scientists believe there is a connection with facial expressions and electrical circuits to the brain.
If you’re depending on insurance to cover treatment, it’s important to do some research first. Botox can be divided into two channels; therapeutic and cosmetic. Insurance like Medicare and Medicaid covers many of the FDA approved therapeutic uses. Even then, the coverage varies. For Botox Cosmetic and off-label use, there is no coverage. Before speaking with your doctor, don’t hesitate to contact your provider for more information.
There’s a lot of misinformation with neuromodulators like Botox. Many believe that the injectable will leave you with a frozen, expressionless face. The goal of the neuromodulator is to relax the muscles of the face, not keep them frozen in place. Some unfortunate cases are due to the wrong dosage or poor execution from untrained providers. Over time, the location, dosage, and even brand may need to change. Establishing a long-term relationship with your dermatologist means having a skilled person in your corner to make changes accordingly. With the right care, you will be able to get full benefits without a stiff appearance.
Botox and other injectables are widely accepted now. That also means it’s easier for the product to get into the hands of untrained, uncertified users. A board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon will know the exact dose and location to use the injectable. There are a fair amount of horror stories online. For example, the rise of “Botox parties” where persons get Botox treatment in a social gathering at a discount. Others may give diluted neuromodulators to earn more per unit. In these cases, you can end up with poor results, wasted money, and even the need for medical attention. Don’t be afraid to do research on the clinic or person providing the treatment.
Think you’re too young for Botox? Think again. Persons in their late 30s and early 40s were the main demographic for the injectable. Now, persons in their mid-20s and early 30s are now considering Botox. In fact, the average age for botox has dropped to 30. Recently, the concept of Preventative Botox has come to the forefront. Many use the injectable stop wrinkles in advance.
If you’ve started to see some lines and wrinkles that won’t go away, it’s not unreasonable to speak with a dermatologist. Even if the dermatologist determines that an injectable is not the right course of action, you can get sound advice and alternative treatment to fight those early signs of aging.
Botox, and other injectables like Dysport, Xeomin, and Juveau, are proven to be safe and effective. When used correctly, there will be a fantastic improvement to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Our lead physician at Eternal Dermatology is a trusted medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatologist in Maryland. For expert consultation and pleasant, safe experience, contact us, or book an appointment online now. We are conveniently located in Fulton and serve Columbia MD, Clarksville, Ellicott City, Laurel, Bowie, Silver Spring, and surrounding areas in PG and Howard County, Maryland.