Botox is an injectable cosmetic treatment that can be used to reverse some signs of aging on the face. It has become one of the most requested aesthetic procedures today, thanks to its quick procedural time, minimally-invasive nature and no recovery period. To determine whether Botox is the right injectable treatment for your needs, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.
What wrinkles do I want to treat?
Botox is designed to treat a specific category of facial wrinkles, known as dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are the creases that form when you make certain facial expressions. Over time, those lines can become permanently etched in your skin as your facial muscles continue to contract to make those expressions. Common dynamic wrinkles include:
- Horizontal lines that stretch across the forehead
- Vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows (frown lines)
- Fine lines that form in the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet)
Do I have other signs of aging to address?
Some patients seeking Botox have other aging concerns they want addressed as well. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and loss of skin elasticity often appear simultaneously with dynamic wrinkles, contributing to an aged look. While Botox is very effective in treating dynamic wrinkles, it will not reduce the appearance of these other aging signs. You may need to consider a combination of injectable treatments that includes dermal fillers to achieve desired results. Those with significant signs of aging may need a surgical procedure to effectively create a more youthful appearance.
How much time can it take for my cosmetic treatment?
Botox is a good option for patients just beginning to show the signs of aging that can’t take the time to undergo a surgical procedure. Botox injections take just a few minutes to complete and involve almost no discomfort. After the procedure, you are able to return to nearly all of your regular activities. Side effects are typically mild and might include slight bruising or swelling at the injection sites.
Am I willing to commit to subsequent treatments to maintain results?
While Botox offers quick, relatively easy results, they are also only temporary. Most patients will have to schedule touch-up treatments every 3-4 months to maintain positive results. Some find that after a few treatments, they can extend the time between procedures a bit longer without sacrificing their results.
Botox is an effective way to restore a youthful appearance and can be an excellent option for patients just beginning to explore their options in cosmetic treatments. To learn more about this procedure, contact New York Group for Plastic Surgery at one of our four offices: New York City, 888-912-1279; Tarrytown, 914-366-6139.