To Botox or Not to Botox
By far, the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. is Botox. Over 7 million treatment were given in 2016, overshadowing any other surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure. Botox has many uses, including treatment excessive sweating and muscles spasms, but it is best known for its anti-aging properties to diminish wrinkles. If you have been wondering whether Botox is right for you to combat lines and wrinkles, here is what you should know.
What Botox Can and Cannot Do
Botox is a neuro-muscular blocker. This means it blocks signals from the brain to the muscles in the nerves. When injected into the skin where wrinkles or lines are present, it stops the muscles from contracting. Since lines are created from the contraction of the muscles when you smile, frown or make other facial expressions, this can smooth the facial surface.
The most common area treated with Botox is the forehead. The frown lines or “11” between the brows can be smoothed away with a few tiny injections of Botox. The paralysis effect stops the muscle contractions and minimizes these lines for a few months before they injections begin to wear off.
What Botox does not do is change the appearance of the skin or add fullness to reduce fine wrinkles. Other treatments like chemical peels, hyaluronic acid injections, dermal fillers and laser treatments can help with these other issues. Many people use Botox in combination with other non-surgical cosmetic treatments to obtain a more youthful appearance, sometimes referred to as a “liquid” facelift.
Botox is loved by many people for the youthful effects it can achieve. If you want to try this anti-aging injection, seek the services of a qualified facial plastic surgeon to perform your injections.
Posted on behalf of:
Sanaz Harirchian, M.D.
9230 Katy Fwy Suite 600
Houston, TX 77055
713-791-0700
The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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